Major Dates for OKC Thunder Schedule Released

Three of the Thunder's biggest games have been released.

May 26, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) reacts after a basket during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Amid a wild offseason full of change, the major dates for the OKC Thunder’s upcoming season schedule have been released.

The Thunder’s preseason slate was released days ago, and details for the team’s season opener, home opener and Christmas Day game are now out, with the rest of the schedule pending.

Oklahoma City is sure to look different next season, with all of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe having been traded this offseason. They've also drafted three rookies in Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz and Otega Oweh, and re-signed multiple other players to new deals.

Below are some of the details released for OKC’s 2026-27 campaign, including some major dates and events:

Opening Night: OKC Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs — 7:30 p.m. CT on Oct. 20

As expected, the Thunder will open up against their newfound West rival in the San Antonio Spurs, who ousted OKC in seven games in the Western Conference Finals. the Spurs punched their ticket to the NBA Finals last season with a final win over OKC, but couldn't overcome the now-champion Knicks.

Somewhat surprisingly, after finishing as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for three-straight seasons, OKC will open up on the road in San Antonio, an obvious plus for the conference finals winners.

In addition to Thunder-Spurs, the new-look 76ers — now with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James — will face off against the Knicks, and the Pistons will play the Celtics on opening night.

Home Opener: Denver Nuggets @ OKC Thunder — 7:30 p.m. CT on Oct. 22

Starting on the road, the Thunder will instead play their home opener against Denver two days later. 

OKC and the Nuggets have seen some fateful battles in the past few seasons, and will kick off their respective early seasons with another duel. In a three-day span, reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will face off in what will likely be his top competition in Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic.

Christmas Day: OKC Thunder @ Minnesota Timberwolves — 6 p.m. CT on Dec. 25

For the second-straight year, the Thunder will play a coveted Christmas Day game, facing off against the shiny new Timberwolves on Dec. 25.

This offseason, the Timberwolves have made major changes, adding star guard LaMelo Ball to the equation while trading players like Naz Reid and Julius Randle.

Surprisingly, the Thunder will play in Minnesota, leaving two of their three marquee games on the road.