Thunder Opening night inches closer as 2018 preseason schedule revealed
By Alex Mcewen
The OKC Thunder released the 2018 preseason schedule featuring four games and the first opportunity to see the revamped roster in action.
The OKC Thunder roster underwent an overhaul this offseason with emphasis on youth and fulfilling specific needs. Last season OKC’s average age was 27.3 years. Presently OKC’s average age is 25.8, years, albeit the subtraction of Carmelo Anthony and Nick Collison greatly impacted the average overall age.
OKC unveiled it’s 2018 preseason four game schedule signaling the full 82 game schedule will follow shortly
With that, let’s review OKC’s four exhibition contests.
Kicking off vs an Oklahoma Native
The Thunder will open their exhibition stretch by hosting Blake Griffin and his Detroit Pistons. This will be the first peek Thunder Nation gets at the 2017-18 OKC squad.
- When: October 3
- Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena
- Start time: 7:00pm CST
Running with the Wolves
OKC will head north to visit Jimmy Butler and his Minnesota Timberwolves. This assuming the Wolves roster remains intact. Butler turned down an extension and there is ongoing friction between Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- When: October 5
- Where: Target Center
- Start time: TBA
Soaring high with some Hawks
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Oklahoma City will travel to Tulsa to play their annual game inside BOK Center, taking on Trae Young and his rebuilding Atlanta Hawks. This will also mark the return of Daniel Hamilton who signed with the Hawks this offseason. Hamilton spent time with the OKC Blue and was on a two-way contract with the Thunder last season.
- When: October 7
- Where: BOK Center
- Start time: 2:00pm CST
Closing out with the Greek Freak
The OKC Thunder will close out the exhibition season on their home court against early MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks.
- When: October 9
- Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena
- Start time: 7:00pm CST
In closing, the preseason tips off in 63 days and the start of camp is rapidly approaching. Soon opening night will be upon us curing the strong sensation known as hoops withdraw.