After roughly five months of inactivity, the OKC Thunder find themselves officially gearing up for a return to in-game action.
Following an action-packed first week of training camp, Monday marks game one of the club's 2024 preseason slate. On the road down in the Lone Star State, Oklahoma City will be playing the role of guest against reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the up-and-coming San Antonio Spurs.
Though technically the exhibition is meaningless from a regular season standpoint, for their ultimate record won't be impacted in the slightest regardless of the outcome, for the franchise's faithful followers it is undoubtedly an excitement inducing occasion, and there's plenty of things they should be aware of as they prepare to get a first glimpse at this new-look Thunder squad.
Thunder preseason inactives against Spurs
* Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander: The superstar guard will be held out of the preseason opener for rest purposes.
* Luguentz Dort: Like SGA, Dort, too, will be sidelined due to rest.
* Kenrich Williams: The veteran will be held out of the contest while he continues to rehab from an arthroscopic debridement procedure in his right knee that he underwent last month. His status for the remainder of the preseason is very much in doubt.
* Jaylin Williams: Earlier this week, the big man sustained a right hamstring strain that is slated to hold him out for the entirety of the preseason, and could even linger into the early stages of the regular season.
* Nikola Topic: This year's lone lottery-selected talent for the Thunder is projected to be red-shirted throughout his entire rookie campaign a la Chet Holmgren as he recovers from knee surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Fortunately, based on his work throughout the offseason and in training camp, coach Mark Daigneault believes he's "on track" to be ready come 2025-26.
Projected starting lineup for Thunder against Spurs
Point guard: Cason Wallace
Though predominantly used as a two-guard last season, Wallace heads into the upcoming season as the primary backup to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the one. Outside of this breakdown, however, there have been some rumblings about the 20-year-old being utilized more often as a play-maker in year two. It will be interesting to see how he can fill the shoes of Josh Giddey in such a role.
Shooting guard: Alex Caruso
Among the many moves GM Sam Presti made this summer, the acquisition of Alex Caruso has been argued to be not only his best but also one of the best in the entire league. Bringing with him elite 3-and-D abilities and championship experience, Monday will serve as a fun initial look at how he fits withing a semi-intact starting five.
Small forward: Jalen Williams
Though he may have posted tremendous, career-best averages as the club's primary power forward during their 57-win, 2023-24 season, at 6-foot-5, 211 pounds with a prominent perimeter presence, it's clear that the junior is more of a natural three. With the offseason reshuffling by the Thunder, Williams will now be slotted in at his rightful position.
Power forward: Chet Holmgren
Like Williams, Holmgren will be sliding up one position within the rotation, as he's moving from the main center spot to power forward. Unlike his returning frontcourt running mate, however, at 7-foot-1 he sports a build more regularly associated with the pivot, though, considering who they snatched up in free agency, this reassignment seems to be the most logical course of action at this time.
Center: Isaiah Hartenstein
The reason for Holmgren's move to the four, Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Thunder this summer in free agency following a career-best season with the Knicks. Through 49 starts in 2023-24, the 7-footer found himself posting averages of 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks. His addition is slated to to improve the team's overall size and strength up front.
How to stream Thunder vs Spurs preseason game
For the preseason opener, Thunder fans will be able to watch a broadcast on NBA TV at 7PM (CT). They will also be able to tune into the exhibition on Bally Sports Oklahoma and with an NBA League Pass and fuboTV account.
How to buy tickets to Thunder preseason game against Spurs
Oklahoma City may not be the biggest market, but this Thunder team has fans scattered all across the map. Those living in or simply visiting the San Antonio area can purchase tickets on StubHub where the lowest price for a seat is currently going for $1.
Thunder remaining preseason schedule
* Wednesday, October 9 vs. Houston Rockets
* Thursday, October 10 vs. New Zealand Breakers
*Tuesday, October 15 at Denver Nuggets
* Thursday, October 17 vs. Atlanta Hawks