The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their 2026-27 preseason Tuesday night when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City enters the preseason after reaching the Western Conference finals for the second straight year and begins another campaign with high expectations. The Thunder have built around back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren as they look to prepare for another run at the title.
New Orleans enters the preseason opener after finishing 26-56 last season. The Pelicans made changes during the offseason, including bringing in head coach Jamahl Mosley, while Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray headline a group looking to push the team back toward playoff contention.
How to Watch Thunder vs Pelicans
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- TV: Local broadcast
- Live stream: NBA League Pass, Thunder+, Pelicans+
The biggest names on the Thunder will be watching from the sideline Tuesday. Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso are all being held out, while Nikola Topić and Thomas Sorber are also unavailable. Head coach Mark Daigneault said the six veteran rotation players will return Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
That gives Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain and Kenrich Williams larger roles, while rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz and Otega Oweh are expected to receive significant opportunities.
For New Orleans, Zion Williamson enters another important season after appearing in 62 games last year, his second-highest total in a season.
Dejounte Murray returns healthy, while 2026 All-Rookie Second Team selections Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears add young talent to the roster. The Pelicans will be without Thomas Sorber, who is dealing with a knee injury.
Tuesday’s game is the first of five preseason contests for Oklahoma City. The Thunder host Milwaukee before traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks. They then welcome the Indiana Pacers before closing the preseason on the road against the Houston Rockets.
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