Oklahoma City, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The NBA’s 80th season kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder aiming to defend their title. Led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are heavily favored to repeat as champions, with an 80% chance according to NBA general managers. The opening night will see the Thunder raising a championship banner as they face the Houston Rockets. The league also witnesses significant shifts with player trades affecting competitor rosters, including Kevin Durant moving to Houston. Injuries to star players may impact early-season dynamics, but expectations for the Thunder remain high.
Oklahoma City — The NBA’s 80th season begins on Tuesday, and the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the campaign as the team most widely expected to defend its title. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander believes the Oklahoma City Thunder can repeat as champions. The Thunder will raise a championship banner on opening night and begin the season against the Houston Rockets, while the Los Angeles Lakers play against the Golden State Warriors on the same night.
Top line
NBA general managers predict an 80% chance for Oklahoma City to repeat as champions, with Cleveland and Denver sharing a distant second place in championship predictions at 7% each. The Thunder enter a season that includes a banner-raising ceremony and the distribution of championship rings. The team closed preseason play with a narrow victory and several players ready to contribute early in the regular season.
Key supporting details
The Thunder finished preseason preparation with a win. Oklahoma City Thunder finished their preseason with a 94-91 win against the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Ousmane Dieng hit a game-winning three-pointer and was crucial in the Thunder’s final preseason game. Thunder’s Chet Holmgren made his preseason debut and showcased strong performance with nine points, six rebounds, and three assists. Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 12 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a steal in the final preseason game. The team did show shooting trouble earlier in that game, with the Thunder struggled with outside shooting, going 8-for-27 from beyond the arc before halftime. A rookie, Brooks Barnhizer displayed tenacity on defense in preseason.
Roster moves and league-wide shifts
Offseason movement around the league reshaped several rosters heading into the 80th season. Kevin Durant was traded from Phoenix to Houston and joins Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun on the Rockets. Other notable moves include Bradley Beal joined the Los Angeles Clippers, and Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton joined the Lakers. Luka Doncic starts his first full season with the Lakers, while LeBron James is sidelined at the beginning due to sciatica. LeBron James, at age 40, prepares for his record 23rd NBA season. Deandre Ayton seeks a significant opportunity with the Lakers after a solid performance last season. The San Antonio Spurs are pairing rookie Victor Wembanyama with veteran talent. League stars and contenders remain concentrated across several clubs: Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, leads the Nuggets again after their 2023 championship win, and other veteran stars are positioned to push teams toward playoff races.
Health and availability
Injuries have affected multiple teams and will influence early-season dynamics. Multiple star players are sidelined with severe injuries, including Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton (torn Achilles). The Boston Celtics also face concerns as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics face injury issues as well. Additionally, LeBron James is sidelined at the beginning due to sciatica, altering the Lakers’ opening lineup and minutes distribution.
Expectations and outlook
The Thunder, led by the league MVP, carry high internal and external expectations. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to avoid losing the championship in 2026, building on a strong statistical season where he had an impressive last season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Nationally, general managers show strong confidence in Oklahoma City’s chances to repeat. Cleveland and Denver rank as distant challengers in prediction polls but trail by a wide margin.
Other teams to watch
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to project as contenders with a core that now includes Lonzo Ball alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. The New York Knicks have a new coach, Mike Brown, which represents a structural change for that franchise. The Orlando Magic added Desmond Bane and are expected to compete more aggressively in their conference. On the West Coast, veteran leaders aim to guide their teams back into contention, with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler aim to lead the Warriors back into playoff contention noted as narrative drivers for the season.
Preseason performance highlights
- Ousmane Dieng hit a game-winning three-pointer and was crucial in the Thunder’s final preseason game.
- Thunder’s Chet Holmgren made his preseason debut and showcased strong performance with nine points, six rebounds, and three assists.
- Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 12 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a steal in the final preseason game.
- The Thunder struggled with outside shooting, going 8-for-27 from beyond the arc before halftime.
- Rookie Brooks Barnhizer displayed tenacity on defense in preseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NBA’s 80th season begin?
The NBA’s 80th season begins on Tuesday.
What does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander say about the Thunder’s title chances?
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander believes the Oklahoma City Thunder can repeat as champions.
What will happen on the Thunder’s opening night?
Thunder will raise a championship banner on opening night.
Who do the Thunder face in the season opener?
Oklahoma City Thunder faces the Houston Rockets on season opener.
Which other marquee matchup is on opening night?
Los Angeles Lakers play against the Golden State Warriors on the same night.
What are the championship odds according to NBA general managers?
NBA general managers predict an 80% chance for Oklahoma City to repeat as champions.
Which teams share second place in championship predictions and at what percentage?
Cleveland and Denver share a distant second place in championship predictions at 7%.
What notable player movement occurred involving Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant was traded from Phoenix to Houston and joins Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun on the Rockets.
What was the Thunder’s preseason final score and opponent?
Oklahoma City Thunder finished their preseason with a 94-91 win against the Denver Nuggets.
What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s statistical performance from last season?
He had an impressive last season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Which injured players are specifically noted as sidelined?
Multiple star players are sidelined with severe injuries, including Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton (torn Achilles).
What happened late in the Thunder’s final preseason game?
Ousmane Dieng hit a game-winning three-pointer and was crucial in the Thunder’s final preseason game.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Start | The NBA’s 80th season begins on Tuesday. |
| Thunder Opening Night | Thunder will raise a championship banner on opening night; Oklahoma City Thunder faces the Houston Rockets on season opener. |
| Championship Odds | NBA general managers predict an 80% chance for Oklahoma City to repeat as champions; Cleveland and Denver at 7%. |
| Preseason Final Result | Oklahoma City Thunder finished their preseason with a 94-91 win against the Denver Nuggets. |
| Key Player Stats | He had an impressive last season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. |
| Injuries | Multiple star players are sidelined with severe injuries, including Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton (torn Achilles). |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | The NBA’s 80th season begins on Tuesday. | Scheduled |
| Opening night | Thunder will raise a championship banner on opening night. | Planned ceremony |
| Season opener | Oklahoma City Thunder faces the Houston Rockets on season opener. | Scheduled game |
| Same night | Los Angeles Lakers play against the Golden State Warriors on the same night. | Scheduled game |
| Preseason final game | Oklahoma City Thunder finished their preseason with a 94-91 win against the Denver Nuggets. | Completed |
Statistics and simple visual charts
Championship probability according to NBA general managers:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last season per-game averages (simple bars):
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spurs Edge Out Heat in Preseason Matchup
San Antonio Spurs Trade for Kelly Olynyk
Spurs Trade No. 38 Pick to Pacers in NBA Draft
Cleveland Cavaliers Show Their Strength in Thrilling NBA Clash Against Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA’s Rollercoaster Season: Average Teams Strive for Greatness Amid Injuries and Drama
Las Vegas Celebrates Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup Triumph in Thrilling Atmosphere
Las Vegas Awaits NBA Cup Final: A Clash of Ambition and Heart in Basketball
NBA Trade Rumors Surrounding Jimmy Butler Intensify as Heat Explore Options
NBA Weekend Highlights: Miami Heat Ignite, Philly’s Contenders, Rookie Stars Rise
NBA Season Heats Up: Jokic Shines, Mavericks Struggle, and Cavaliers Undefeated
Additional Resources
- News Source Name 1
- Wikipedia: Oklahoma City Thunder
- News Source Name 2
- Google Search: Oklahoma City Thunder NBA
- News Source Name 3
- Google Scholar: Oklahoma City Thunder
- News Source Name 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- News Source Name 5
- Google News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
