Hornets Face Thunder In Anticipated NBA Preseason Opener

The NBA is back in action, and while it may only be the preseason, the excitement is palpable as the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder tip off their exhibition campaigns. The North Charleston Coliseum in South Carolina is the unlikely epicenter for this early October showdown, offering fans a first glimpse of new faces, returning stars, and evolving strategies for both franchises. With the regular season looming, every minute on the court is a precious opportunity for players and coaches to fine-tune their approach and stake their claim for the months ahead.

The matchup, scheduled for 5:00pm Eastern, marks the debut preseason game for both the Hornets and the Thunder. Fans eager to catch the action have a couple of options: the game is streaming on Hornets.com and the Hornets App, and NBA League Pass is also carrying the broadcast. It’s a welcome move for supporters who want a front-row seat to observe how these squads are shaping up, especially with so many intriguing storylines swirling around both teams.

Let’s start with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who enter this preseason as the reigning NBA champions—a title that brings both confidence and a target on their backs. Led by the electric Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are expected to showcase a blend of established talent and fresh contributors. However, they’ll be without two key pieces: Jalen Williams is sidelined due to a wrist injury, and Kenrich Williams is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, with a timetable for re-evaluation set at six to eight weeks. According to team updates, "Jalen Williams would not be seen playing the debut preseason game against Charlotte Hornets. He is still recovering from his wrist injury and has been doing light activities." Kenrich Williams, meanwhile, faces a longer road back to full health.

The probable starting five for Oklahoma City is as formidable as ever: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. This group combines scoring punch, defensive prowess, and versatility—a recipe that fueled their championship run last season. Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, remains a focal point. His on-court leadership and ability to take over games have been well documented. The Thunder’s aggressive, up-tempo style is expected to continue, though preseason often brings its own share of experimentation and lineup shuffling.

On the other side, the Charlotte Hornets are buzzing with anticipation. This preseason opener offers the first real look at how their offseason moves and internal development will translate to live competition. The Hornets are dealing with their own injury woes: Josh Green is out as he recovers from left shoulder surgery performed on June 20, 2025, and Grant Williams is sidelined due to an ACL injury. As reported, "Josh Green would be missing the preseason games due to his shoulder recovery. Reportedly, he underwent surgery for his left shoulder on June 20 and probably might return during the regular NBA season." Grant Williams, too, is taking his time to ensure a full comeback.

Despite these absences, the Hornets’ starting lineup features plenty of intrigue. LaMelo Ball returns, reportedly bulkier and sporting new tattoos, ready to orchestrate the offense. He’s joined by Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel—making his much-anticipated debut—Miles Bridges, and Mason Plumlee. The addition of Knueppel and the return of key contributors like Miller and Tre Mann have fans eager to see how these pieces fit together under the guidance of head coach Charles Lee.

Lee, taking the reins for his first full preseason, has signaled a desire for a faster, more spaced-out offensive approach. Clips from training camp have shown crisp ball movement and a greater emphasis on pace, but as always, the real test comes under the lights. "The one thing I’m curious about is what Charles Lee tweaked to make the offense faster and more spaced out. There have been a couple clips from camp where the ball movement looks crisp. We’ll see how that translates to a more competitive atmosphere," a Hornets insider noted.

Preseason basketball, by its nature, is a laboratory for experimentation. The Hornets plan to play their regular rotation players for about 20 minutes each, mostly through the first three quarters, before turning things over to the deeper bench. This approach allows coaches to evaluate roster depth, test out new combinations, and give younger players a taste of NBA action. For the Thunder, who are likely to be more cautious with their stars given their championship pedigree, similar rotational strategies are expected.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, tonight’s game is about establishing rhythm and, perhaps more importantly, building culture. The Hornets have made it clear that they want to set a tone early—one of accountability, hustle, and unselfish play. For a franchise looking to climb the Eastern Conference ranks, these preseason reps are invaluable. Fans will be watching closely to see how LaMelo Ball’s leadership has evolved, how Brandon Miller responds to increased expectations, and how rookies like Knueppel handle the jump to NBA speed.

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s approach is one of measured confidence. As defending champs, they know the grind ahead and the importance of pacing themselves. Still, there’s always pressure to perform, even in games that don’t count in the standings. New addition Alex Caruso brings championship experience of his own, while Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein provide size and skill in the frontcourt. The chemistry between these pieces will be a storyline to watch as Oklahoma City aims to defend its crown.

Injuries are an ever-present concern, and both teams are proceeding with caution. The absence of Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams for the Thunder, and Josh Green and Grant Williams for the Hornets, opens the door for others to step up. Preseason is often a stage for unexpected heroes—a breakout performance here can lead to a bigger role when the games start to matter.

Of course, preseason results don’t always foreshadow regular-season success or struggles. Still, they offer hints: Which rotations click? Who looks sharp or rusty? What tactical tweaks are on display? For fans, analysts, and players alike, these games are a chance to dream, to worry, and to speculate about what’s to come.

As the Hornets and Thunder clash in Charleston, one thing’s for sure: NBA basketball is back, and the journey to the 2025-26 season has officially begun. With new faces, strategic shifts, and the ever-present drama of competition, tonight’s preseason opener is more than just a tune-up—it’s the first chapter in a new story for both franchises.

With the action now underway, all eyes are on the North Charleston Coliseum as both teams look to set the tone for the season ahead. Whether you’re tuning in for the rookies, the returning stars, or the sheer joy of basketball’s return, this is a matchup that promises intrigue from start to finish.