Preseason play is officially here for the OKC Thunder, and it kicks off Tuesday with a matchup against New Orleans in Tulsa at 7 p.m. But while we’re all hyped for the action, the biggest story rolling into this five-game slate is undoubtedly Jalen Williams’ return from injury.
New Faces and New Roles for the Thunder
The Thunder’s core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are still leading the charge, no doubt about it. But get this: the team dealt Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe this offseason. That’s a huge shake-up, and it means some serious role changes are coming for the guys who are left. Players will have to embrace these new roles if this team wants to find its groove early.
Rookies and a Right Knee Comeback
And it’s not just about the vets stepping up. OKC is bringing in a fresh batch of talent with rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, Otega Oweh, and Josh Dix. We’re gonna see how fast these guys can get integrated into the lineup. Plus, keep an eye on Thomas Sorber, who’s making his debut after sitting out all of last season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. Talk about a comeback story we’re all rooting for!
The Thunder’s five-game preseason schedule is packed. After Tuesday’s opener against New Orleans, they’ve got a home game against Milwaukee on October 7, then hit the road for Atlanta on October 12. They’re back home against Indiana on October 13 before wrapping it up on the road against Houston on October 15. Every single one of these games is gonna be crucial to see how these new pieces fit and who steps up to fill those massive shoes. You can bet we’ll be watching every minute.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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