In their 2025-26 preseason finale, the Oklahoma City Thunder will roll out for a dress rehearsal. They will host the Denver Nuggets for their sixth exhibition on Friday.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault revealed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein will be the starters. This will be Holmgren’s preseason debut, as he missed time with shoulder soreness and previously sat out the other games.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are going the opposite way. David Adelman said Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun will sit out for rest. Denver’s backups will go against OKC’s starters. At least for the start of the game.
It could also serve as a preview to what the Thunder will go with on 2025-26 Opening Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21. They will host the Houston Rockets as they will drop the championship banner and hand out rings.