The Oklahoma City Thunder saw their 2022-23 NBA Regular Season schedule released this week, and there are so many matchups to look forward to. From a fantastic opening night game that features Chet Holmgren returning to his home state, to the OKC Thunder keeping their annual New Year’s Eve home contest this time matching up with the 76ers, and after wondering if the Thunder would make their return to National Television, we have all of the answers at our fingertips.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have not played in a traditional National Television game in two seasons. While they have been spotlighted on NBATV, which the league counts as National, that just does not have the same feel for fans. Given that it is just a simulcast of a Regional broadcast that is blacked out locally, fans want to see National figureheads talking about their team.
After the second NBA Draft of this rebuild, the OKC Thunder have put together an exciting young core on and off the floor. Even just looking at their big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren which of the trio is extremely marketable and can gain national interest from NBA fans.
The Oklahoma City Thunder return to a major network as Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero face off on TNT in November
Finally, the OKC Thunder will play on a National Stage and all it took was Sam Presti finding a possible generational star in Chet Holmgren after landing the second overall pick via the NBA Draft Lottery. While many fans, and probably even the Inside the NBA crew on TNT, will wonder why on earth the Thunder vs Magic is the headline game on November 1st?
Well, the answer will be insanely obvious by halftime. Not only is this the first overall pick vs the second overall pick, but both prospects feature huge personalities to add to their incredible skillsets, the trash talking will rise the intensity and this Thunder fanbase will pack the Paycom Center for their first game under the bright lights in years.
Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder will make their return trip to Orlando on Wednesday, January 4th for a 6 p.m. Central tip-time at the Amway Center.