Last week, the OKC Thunder concluded their preseason campaign. Thankfully everyone made it through six exhibition contests without any severe injuries. That was the biggest win of the preseason. It was good to get an early look at some of OKC’s rookies and a peek at how Head Coach Mark Daigneault plans to structure some rotations.
Safe to say, everyone from the team to their fan base is ready to play some real NBA games again.
Before Oklahoma City heads to Minnesota for its season opener against the Timberwolves on Wednesday, October 19, let’s dive into five bold predictions for their season.
The OKC Thunder tip off their 2022-23 campaign on Wednesday against the Timberwolves. Before the start of the season here are 5 bold predictions
There are a few honorable mentions to throw in before diving into the true list of predictions. It was hard not to pick the Thunder to make the play-in. I wanted to do it, it was on and off this list. Ultimately, after looking at last season’s standings, the OKC Thunder were 10 games out of 10th place in the West and last year was a down year in the Western Conference. Even with youngsters taking a leap, along with added talent, roughly a 10-game leap would be a tall task for this group. Crazier things have happened, but it likely will not be this year more than 41 games are played inside Paycom Center.
Part of me wanted to say we would see Chet Holmgren this season, perhaps late in the year. But, unless the OKC Thunder are playing for something there would be no reason to risk an injury to their prized number-two overall pick, who they have already listed as out for the season.
Editors note: Throughout the takes, I will grade them on a scale of 1-10, one being it is likely to happen ten being no shot, drop your scale below! Shoutout to Alex for putting this piece together.