Oklahoma City Thunder take on Denver Nuggets to tip-off preseason

The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in action! The OKC Thunder will tip-off their preseason tonight in Denver against the Nuggets. While star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and prized second-round pick Chet Holmgren, will not be on the floor, there are still plenty of reasons to watch tonight.

Game details: 

• Preseason game number 1
• Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets
• 8 p.m. CDT
• WATCH: FREE THUNDER APP or NBA League Pass
• Listen: WWLS 98.1FM OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Denver Nuggets to start their preseason slate in Denver

What to watch for during the first preseason game:

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have their first chance to show off their growth and development over the long summer. Mark Daigneault has already let it be known the team will not have a “loud” starting five, warning against reading too much into the rotation. Though, that warning will not stop us from doing so.

Josh Giddey has worked with Chip Engeland 2-3 times a day, and while that will not transform his jumper overnight, the minor tweaks will still be interesting to see. Giddey also showed off improved rim finishing and ball handling in Summer League does that carry over to the preseason?

Speaking of Summer League, Jalen Williams dominated the Vegas circuit showing off three-level scoring, connecting playmaking, and flashing brilliant defense. Now that the competition takes another step up, can all of that translate?

Mark Daigneault did a fantastic job talking up third-year forward Aleksej Pokusevski, speaking on his improved lower body, awareness, and balance. This is a big year for Pokusevski, who is arguably the most polarizing player in the minds of fans on this roster. Fans will demand to see that improvement, and the pressure is on him to show it even in a preseason game.

Tre Mann, Lu Dort, and Darius Bazley are three big names to watch for as well, all for different reasons. For Mann, can he score at a high level while being effective as he is arguably the best pure scorer on the floor tonight for OKC without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Is there another step for Lu Dort who is still only 23? Darius Bazley is staring down the barrel of restricted free agency, can he prove he deserves a second contract? That body of work starts tonight.

What are you watching for tonight with the OKC Thunder in their preseason opener?