Kofi Inkoom
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has confirmed that nearly every team member is available for their second preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, with only a few exceptions, reports Joe Mussatto of Oklahoma Sports.
Everyone is available tonight outside of Poku, Daigneault said. Bertans, J-Will and Wiggins will be healthy scratches, Daigneault added.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) October 12, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed the first preseason game, will be available tonight, creating the opportunity for him to share the court with rookie Chet Holmgren for the first time.
Furthermore, Euroleague MVP Vasilije Micic will be making his debut with the Thunder. Micic’s debut is highly anticipated, as he is considered a potential NBA All-Rookie candidate.
The Serbian guard boasts an impressive track record, including two EuroLeague championships, the EuroLeague MVP award, and being named All-Europe Player of the Year twice.
Micic signed a three-year contract with the Thunder earlier this summer and is expected to have an immediate impact on the team.
The Thunder will be hosting the Detroit Pistons tonight at 6pm CT, taking place at the Centre Bell Arena in Montreal, Canada, as part of their ongoing preseason schedule.
MORE : How to watch the OKC Thunder in the upcoming Season, full streaming guide.
The upcoming tie will mark Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first time playing on a home court [country-wise] following his outstanding performance with the Canada National Basketball Team at the FIBA World Cup.
The team secured a Bronze medal by defeating their neighboring country, the United States, in the 3rd and 4th place match.
During the Thunder’s initial preseason game, where they narrowly clinched a 122-121 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, Chet Holmgren certainly made a noteworthy debut.
He delivered a standout performance, scoring 21 points and leaving spectators in awe with a spectacular alley-oop dunk.
Notably, his performance positions him as an early frontrunner in the race for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.