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.

Oklahoma City leans on the Joe-Hartenstein two man game to power its depth and offense. Joe knocked down 41 percent from beyond the arc and fed off Hartenstein's dribble handoffs, turning them into reliable buckets and a stream of assists last season. As training camp opens, Joe says the chemistry is second nature, with Holmgren and Jalen Williams joining to amplify the flow and boost bench scoring.

The Thunder aim to repeat that success in 2025-26, using heavy off ball movement and Screens to maximize Joe's shooting while Hartenstein acts as the primary catalyst, a blueprint that mirrors learning from DiVincenzo’s Knicks-era play around a similar big man hub. The duo’s continuity could become the engine that keeps OKC rolling in tight games and late possessions.

Chet Holmgren returns to a championship-ready Thunder core with a renewed health narrative. After lifting OKC to the throne, Holmgren strengthened through an injury-plagued season and capped it with a Game 7 playoff block barrage, including a league-record five blocks against Indiana in the 2025 Finals. He then inked an extension to stay alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, setting the stage for a hopeful 2025-26 title window. Opening Night vs Houston looms as a first real test of the post-title rotation.

Fantasy takeaway: Holmgren’s ceiling is enormous when he’s on the floor—elite blocks, efficient scoring, and rebounding upside—with health being the swing factor. His value hinges on durability and workload management, but the Thunder’s core should funnel plenty of usage his way as they chase another deep playoff run.