The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their 2026 NBA preseason schedule with a 7 p.m. CT tip-off against the New Orleans Pelicans in Tulsa on Tuesday night. This game marks the first look at a significantly altered Thunder roster following a busy offseason of trades and draft picks.
Fans can watch the Oklahoma City Thunder preseason opener on local broadcast partners, with specific channel information available through regional sports networks. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. Central Time start at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is the first of five preseason contests for the Thunder as they prepare for the regular season grind.
Why it matters for Oklahoma City Thunder
This preseason game offers the first real glimpse of a new-look Thunder squad. The offseason saw the departure of key rotation players Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe via trades. In their place, the team integrated four rookies: first-round pick Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, Otega Oweh, and two-way signing Josh Dix. Evaluating how these new pieces fit, especially against NBA competition, is a primary goal for head coach Mark Daigneault and his staff.
However, fans hoping to see the established core will have to wait. The Thunder are opting to rest Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso for this first game of a back-to-back. Reserve big man Jaylin Williams is also sidelined with right heel soreness. This means extended minutes for the rookie class and other players fighting for roster spots.
The focus tonight will be on player development and system installation. With so many regulars sitting, players like Ousmane Dieng, Luguentz Dort's replacement in the rotation, and the rookie class will get a major opportunity. Their performance in areas like defensive rotations, offensive execution, and rebounding will be closely watched. The team's recent form provides a confident backdrop, but preseason is about process over results.
Following this game, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue their preseason schedule with four more contests. These games are vital for determining the final roster spots and establishing rotation hierarchies before the regular season begins. The team's strong finish last season, winning their final four games, sets a high standard. How the new additions contribute to maintaining that level will be a storyline to follow all preseason long.
