The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to kick off their preseason ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season with a match against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, October 5, at 4 p.m. CT in North Charleston, South Carolina. This marks the first of six preseason games for the Thunder, who are fresh off their victory in the previous season, capturing their inaugural NBA championship.
With a roster largely intact, only one player has departed from last year’s championship team, and the Thunder are eyeing the opportunity to repeat as champions, a feat not achieved since the Golden State Warriors won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
Fans can catch the game via the Thunder app or on NBA.com, but a subscription to NBA League Pass is required. Subscriptions start at $16.99 per month or $109.99 for the entire season.
The Thunder’s full preseason schedule includes notable matchups, such as:
– October 5: vs. Charlotte Hornets at 4 p.m. in Charleston, South Carolina
– October 6: vs. Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)
– October 9: vs. Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network)
– October 11: at Indiana Pacers at 6 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)
– October 14: at Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. (Peacock)
– October 17: vs. Denver Nuggets at 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)
In terms of player availability, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault announced that several key players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren, will not be participating in this opening game due to rest or recovery. Consequently, the Thunder will be missing 10 players from their 21-man training camp roster.
Among those expected to start for the Thunder are Nikola Topić, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng, and Jaylin Williams, while the Hornets are projected to start LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate.
As the Thunder embark on their journey to defend their title, fans are filled with hope and anticipation, eager to see how the young talent will rise in the absence of some of the team’s stars. This preseason not only serves as a preparation for the upcoming challenges but also as a chance for new players to make their mark on the team.