Projected starting lineup, rotation, and how to watch Thunder season opener in Denver

After five months off, OKC Thunder fans officially find themselves preparing to see meaningful, on-court basketball be played, as the ball club is heading out to Denver to take on the Nuggets in their 2024-25 season opener.

Following a highly successful and history-setting 2023-24 campaign, this summer GM Sam Presti went about and made several win-now, roster-bolstering moves headlined by the trade for Alex Caruso and the signing of Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency as the franchise gears up for what is hoped to be a title-winning year.

Of course, before even getting the opportunity to take aim at the illustrious Larry O'Brien Trophy under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs, the Thunder must get through their upcoming 82-game slate, with game one kicking off Thursday night in Mile High City.

Thunder projected starting lineup vs. Celtics

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Cason Wallace

Luguentz Dort

Jalen Williams

Chet Holmgren

Thunder projected rotation vs. Nuggets

The Thunder find themselves heading into their opener notably hobbled, as they are slated to be without two of their three primary big men in Isaiah Hartenstein (left-hand fracture) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring).

On top of this, Jalen Williams' status for the contest is still a bit up in the air as he continues to nurse an ankle injury sustained during the club's preseason finale against Atlanta. Fortunately, reports are the ailment is not considered to be "severe."

Because of this, coach Mark Daigneault may need to get experimental with his frontcourt sets, which could mean a few newcomers could wind up seeing some action against Denver.

PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell

SG: Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe

SF: Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Dillon Jones

PF: Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng, Dillon Jones

C: Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng

Thunder injury report

Isaiah Hartenstein (hand), Jaylin Williams (hamstring), and Kenrich Williams (knee) are all ruled out for the season opener against the Nuggets.

Jalen Williams (ankle) is considered "day-to-day" and will likely be a game-time decision.

Nuggets projected starting lineup vs. Thunder

Jamal Murray

Christian Braun

Michael Porter Jr.

Aaron Gordon

Nikola Jokic

How to watch Thunder vs. Nuggets season tip-off

Thursday's opening night bout between the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets will be broadcast nationally on TNT, with tip-off set for 9:00 p.m. CT. For those without cable, the game will also be offered via stream on Max, Sling TV, and Youtube TV, all of which offer TNT.

Next five regular season games for Thunder

Saturday, October 26 at Chicago Bulls (7:00 p.m. CT)

Sunday, October 27 vs. Atlanta Hawks (6:00 p.m. CT)

Wednesday, October 30 vs. San Antonio Spurs (8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN)

Friday, November 1 at Portland Trail Blazers (9:00 p.m. CT)

Saturday, November 2 at LA Clippers (9:30 p.m. CT)