As for the Thunder, who won 68 games against just 14 losses last season, their core remains intact, with Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the charge. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso are all still in the Thunder’s fold.

The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that the season will begin on Oct. 21 with a doubleheader on NBC and Peacock. In the first game, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will meet star forward Kevin Durant and the new-look Houston Rockets. In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors.