Oklahoma City made no new roster move in the last day and a half, so the calendar carries today's story instead. A preseason game against the Pelicans on Oct. 6 opens the schedule, the regular season follows on Oct. 20 at San Antonio, and five injured players are all penciled in to return around the same date.
The Schedule Takes Shape
Camp opens with a game against the Pelicans on Oct. 6, then the Bucks a day later, a trip to Atlanta on Oct. 12 and the Pacers on Oct. 13. The regular season begins Oct. 20 at San Antonio, giving Oklahoma City four tune-up games to sort out a roster that returns largely intact from a 64-18 season.
Five Names to Track
Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Otega Oweh (lower leg), Ajay Mitchell (calf) and Thomas Sorber (knee) are each working back from injury. Every case sits in the leg, and every one of them carries the same estimated return of Oct. 1.
One Question For Camp
That Oct. 1 target sits five days before camp's exhibition slate begins, leaving a real question of how many of the five will be full participants by then, or whether Oklahoma City eases them in once the regular schedule starts Oct. 20.
When do the Thunder play their first preseason game?
Oct. 6 at home against the Pelicans, followed by the Bucks on Oct. 7, a road game at Atlanta on Oct. 12 and the Pacers on Oct. 13.
How many Thunder players are hurt heading into camp?
Five: Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Williams, Otega Oweh, Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber, all with an estimated return of Oct. 1.
