Oklahoma City Thunder Rest Multiple Stars For Busy 2025-26 NBA Preseason

The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off an NBA championship, opened their 2025-26 preseason with a game against the Charlotte Hornets, prioritizing player health and roster evaluation over immediate results. Key players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, and several others were rested due to injuries or strategic rest, with rookie Thomas Sorber out for the season following an ACL tear. The Thunder are focusing on developing their bench and emerging prospects during the preseason, with plans to manage workloads carefully across a demanding schedule. The Charlotte Hornets, featuring rising stars like LaMelo Ball and recent draftees, also approached the game as a preseason start with high anticipation, hosting their training camp at The Citadel in Charleston. The matchup was notable for local fan enthusiasm, particularly from Hornets supporters excited to see their team without long travel. Overall, the preseason serves as a critical period for both teams to assess fitness, experiment with lineups, and prepare for a competitive regular season.