The showdown between the Detroit Pistons, led by No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham, and a talented Oklahoma City Thunder club with No. 6 pick Josh Giddey was a close runner-up to Sunday’s main event between the Houston Rockets (containing Jalen Green) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (featuring Evan Mobley). Unfortunately, Giddey was forced to the bench early in the game, leaving in the first quarter with an apparent injury that was later diagnosed as a left ankle sprain by the Thunder.
Giddey did provide a strong highlight early in the game, as he exploded to the hoop for a slam on the game’s first possession.
Giddey’s bucket was his only one, as he sustained an ankle sprain immediately after and, despite attempting to play through the injury, was forced to leave after only five minutes on the court. Following the ankle injury, it was evident that the 18-year-old perimeter player was no longer on Oklahoma City’s bench, and the Thunder have every reason to be cautious, especially in this situation.
Following the opening, the Thunder will have a two-day break before facing the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. It’s uncertain whether Giddey will be able to play at this time, but Oklahoma City could provide more information in the near future.