Short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder dropped a 106-89 preseason game to Dallas, leaving them at 1-1. With most regulars sidelined, OKC leaned on youth and clawed back in the final minutes after trailing by as many as 32.

Cason Wallace returned to the Dallas area but shot just 3-for-14 while contributing six boards and a couple of assists. Brooks Barnhizer matched his defensive intensity with a game-high 16 points for Oklahoma City, and rookie Zack Austin supplied 13 points as a 3-and-9 threat.

Cooper Flagg flashed potential for Dallas with 10 points in limited minutes, but Barnhizer’s physical defense limited him. OKC soaked up extra reps and coach Mark Daigneault stressed competing through all 48 minutes as the club continues to evaluate depth pieces for the regular season.

Year-two players anchor the 2025-26 fantasy landscape, led by Donovan Clingan's late-season move into Portland's starting lineup and strong rebounding/blocks. Edey, Sarr and Ware project sustained frontcourt value with varying health and role risk, while Missi and Castle offer versatile multi-category floors.

A deeper cohort—Buzelis, George, Sheppard, Bona, Filipowski, Wells, McCain, Carrington, Dunn, Risacher, Collier, da Silva, Holland and Mitchell—could swing fantasy leagues with minutes and fit should roster changes unlock roles.

OKC Thunder primed for a title run as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren lock in extensions, keeping the core intact for 2025-26. Enter Cason Wallace with a three-pronged mission: sharpen his outside shot, grow as a secondary playmaker, and secure a lucrative contract extension. The plan hinges on Wallace elevating spacing, sharing ball-handling duties, and proving he can anchor bench units as OKC pursues another deep playoff push.