The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026-27 NBA season with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge for a third straight award and a championship run. The team's preseason form includes a 114-112 victory over the Indiana Pacers on October 13, 2026.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the league's most potent scorers. He's the engine for an Oklahoma City Thunder squad can win the NBA championship. If the team secures a top spot in the Western Conference standings, his case for a third MVP will be incredibly strong. His ability to control the game from the perimeter and in the paint makes him nearly unstoppable.
Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership will be vital for a team with championship aspirations. The Thunder's success directly ties to his performance on both ends of the floor. Winning the award again would place him among the NBA's all-time greats. It's a challenge he seems ready to embrace.
The Thunder's preseason schedule provided a mixed bag of results, testing their depth and readiness. Following the win over Indiana, they dropped a close game to the Atlanta Hawks 113-110 on October 12. Earlier matchups saw high-scoring affairs, including a 126-128 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on October 7 and a 110-116 defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 6.
These games allowed the coaching staff to evaluate rotations and player fitness. The narrow margins, especially in the wins and losses, show the team's competitive level is high. Preseason results don't count in the standings, but they offer valuable lessons. The team will look to tighten its defense and execution before the games that matter.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is a major threat. Now in his fourth season, he's a defensive force and a growing offensive weapon. If he boosts his scoring and the Spurs climb the West, he'll be in the conversation. At just 22 years old, his potential seems limitless.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is always in the mix. His unique blend of scoring and playmaking continues to define his position. Jokic's MVP chances hinge on Denver securing a high playoff seed. He remains the standard for big men in the league.
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is another exciting contender. The arrival of playmaker LaMelo Ball could unlock even more scoring from Edwards. If Minnesota emerges as a top Western Conference team, Edwards will get serious MVP votes. His athleticism and scoring bursts are a nightmare for defenses.
The Thunder's immediate focus is their final preseason contest, an away game against the Houston Rockets on October 15, 2026. After that, the real work begins with the start of the regular season. The team's primary goal is clear: compete for the NBA title.
Success will require Gilgeous-Alexander to maintain his MVP form and for the supporting cast to step up consistently. The Western Conference is stacked with talent, making every game important. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page. The journey toward the O'Brien trophy starts now for this talented Oklahoma City squad.
