The Oklahoma City Thunder are using the second night of a back-to-back to give fans their first preseason look at several of the team’s key names.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace are all in the starting lineup for this one, with Mark Daigneault turning to that group while the Thunder are down a long list of frontcourt options. Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic are all out.
There is some good news on the availability front, though. Bennett Stirtz, who left Tulsa’s game early with a lower body injury in Tulsa in the Thunder's 116-110 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, is active for this matchup. Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell, Kenrich Williams and Aday Mara are also available after suiting up less than 24 hours ago.
The opponent brings a different kind of storyline to Paycom Center. This is Milwaukee’s first game in the building since May 30, when the Thunder lost Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs.
It also marks a return for Ousmane Dieng, who spent the first three years of his NBA career in Oklahoma City before being shipped to Milwaukee at the trade deadline. He is in the starting lineup for the Bucks.
Milwaukee enters this season in rebuilding mode after trading Giannis Antentokounmpo to South Beach to join the Miami Heat. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is aiming at a title run.
For the Thunder, the timing fits. They have a stretch of off days before getting back on the floor Monday against the Atlanta Hawks in the front end of another back-to-back. The second game of that set sends them back to Paycom Center for a Finals rematch with the Indiana Pacers, who could have Tyrese Haliburton back after he made his preseason debut on Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
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Chris Finch Sees One Early Sign Wolves Fans Will Love In LaMelo Ball
Chris Finch saw enough in the early going from LaMelo Ball to think Timberwolves fans can at least feel encouraged by what his new role might bring, and that is the kind of preseason detail coaches tend to linger on when they believe a player is settling into the right spots. For Oklahoma City, the broader league picture still matters because it shapes the matchups and opponents the Thunder will be chasing all season, while the preseason also offers its first real look at how rookies are adjusting to NBA speed and responsibility.
There was more around the West as well, with Denver weighing Julian Strawthers case for a rotation spot and other teams sorting out their own young talent, which only adds to the sense that the margin for climbing the standings will be thin. In Portland, Tom Dundons letter to season-ticket holders underscored both ambition and uncertainty, a reminder that even as franchises talk championship standards and arena upgrades, the future can still feel unsettled in the background. [Read more 🡒]
Thunder Got An Early Glimpse Of A New Role For Jared McCain
The Thunders preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans offered an early look at how Jared McCain might fit into a bigger offensive lane this fall. He played only the first half, but still finished with 12 points and five assists, spending most of his time looking to score from outside. It was a small sample, sure, but it was also the kind of start that hints at how Oklahoma City may want to use him as the calendar turns toward the regular season.
McCains shot profile already looked different in this first preseason game, with far more of his attempts coming from three-point range than in previous seasons. That matters for a Thunder team that suddenly has a clearer opening for perimeter firepower after Isaiah Joes departure, and McCain is now one of the names most worth tracking in that race. The real question is not whether the opportunity is there, but how far the Thunder are willing to lean into it. [Read more 🡒]
Aday Mara Is Forcing His Way Into OKC's Frontcourt Picture
Aday Mara has already started to look like more than just a developmental big in Oklahoma Citys frontcourt mix. Head coach Mark Daigneault said the rookie has made clear progress from summer league to training camp, and the Thunder have noticed the work showing up in ways that matter for a young center trying to earn trust early. At 7-foot-3, Mara brings the kind of size that naturally gets attention, but what has helped him stand out is the way he has carried himself into camp after the offseason.
For Oklahoma City, the appeal goes beyond height and draft pedigree. Daigneault pointed to Maras conditioning, defensive presence, mobility, rolling ability and hands as the traits that have made his camp impact harder to ignore, especially for a team that values versatility from its bigs. The real test comes soon enough, with the Thunder set to open preseason play against the New Orleans Pelicans in Tulsa, where Mara will get another chance to show how quickly he can fit into the picture. [Read more 🡒]