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.

Oklahoma City Thunder enter 2025-26 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a deep, hungry core as they chase back-to-back titles, a feat last achieved by Golden State in 2017-18.

Jalen Williams is expected to serve as the second option, while Chet Holmgren could break out after a limited sophomore year. Holmgren’s five-year max extension signals huge faith in his ceiling—20+ PPG, top-five in blocks and elite floor spacing—though durability remains a concern and Williams’ offseason wrist surgery could push the start of the season.

Oklahoma City opens its 2025-26 preseason with a road test against Charlotte in a non-traditional arena in South Carolina, a backdrop that highlights the evaluation phase for both teams. The 4 p.m. CT matchup is streamed via the Thunder App and Fubo, giving fantasy managers a chance to assess rotation decisions and depth after a short summer run.

The Thunder lean on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, with Isaiah Hartenstein providing frontcourt size. Charlotte counters with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mason Plumlee. Notable injuries—Thomas Sorber for OKC, Grant Williams and Josh Green for Charlotte—shape early lineups, while the week’s schedule teases a Mavericks test and a Pacers trip.