The Oklahoma City Thunder are finalizing their preparations for the 2026-27 NBA season, coming off a preseason finale where they edged the Indiana Pacers 114-112 on October 13. Ranked first in the league's preseason power rankings, the team carries immense expectations following a 64-18 campaign that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder are loaded. They return two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a core that proved its resilience last year. The front office retained center Isaiah Hartenstein on a three-year, $75.5 million deal, securing a key piece. Their draft added intriguing talent in Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, and Otega Oweh. While the trades of rotation players like Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Lu Dort will test their depth, the overall talent level remains elite. Analyst Kevin O'Connor points to the team's potential to evolve its offense, suggesting that spreading ball-handling duties could keep SGA fresher for a long playoff run.
The Thunder's four preseason games provided a mixed bag of results, ending with a narrow win over Indiana. They also dropped close contests to the Atlanta Hawks (113-110), Milwaukee Bucks (126-128), and New Orleans Pelicans (110-116). These games offered glimpses of the roster battles, particularly in the frontcourt where rookie Aday Mara's impressive play could challenge for minutes alongside Hartenstein. The guard rotation also bears watching, with Cason Wallace expected to start but Ajay Mitchell pushing for a significant role. These tune-ups were about evaluation, not wins, as the team gears up for the real tests ahead.
Vegas sets a high bar with a 61.5-win total projection, listing the Thunder as -600 favorites to win their division and +260 to win the NBA Finals. Their path starts with a tough opening week, facing the San Antonio Spurs on the road October 20 before a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on October 22. Before that, they have one final preseason test against the Houston Rockets on October 15. The team's ceiling is the No. 1 seed, powered by Gilgeous-Alexander, an elite defense, and Coach of the Year candidate Mark Daigneault. The only potential question mark surrounds team chemistry as players mature and contract situations arise, but on-court, they have every piece needed for a championship.
Fantasy managers should monitor the center spot and the Wallace-Mitchell dynamic, with both offering value in category leagues. The Thunder's combination of star power, depth, and coaching makes them the team to beat as the new season tips off.
