The Thunder schedule for the 2023-24 season has been released and as anticipated, it will be another year full of entertaining matchups.
With the Thunder slated to be more competitive this season, so is the Western Conference, which means the matchups should also be heightened. We’ve outlined the top 10 most intriguing home games of the 2023-24 season based on what we know now.
Sunday, October 29, 2:30 PM: Denver Nuggets
The third game of the season and OKC’s home opener against a Northwest Division rival who just happened to win the NBA title? Sign me up. This will most definitely be an entertaining matchup and would be a huge win to start off OKC’s campaign.
Friday, November 3, 7 PM: Golden State Warriors
Anyone reading this article knows the history behind the Thunder-Warriors, and while the Russell Westbrook/Kevin Durant era is long gone, the rivalry between Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the Thunder faithful remains. Not to mention, this will be the first Group Play game of the In-Season Tournament.
Tuesday, November 14, 6:30 PM: San Antonio Spurs
The second Group Play game of the In-Season Tournament will feature OKC’s first matchup against the Spurs, and they’ll finally be able to lay their eyes on rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs were among the worst in the league last season, but Wembanyama definitely raises the intrigue.
Thursday, December 21, 7 PM: Los Angeles Clippers
Thunder fans love it when former stars return to the 405, so Paul George’s return will be quite entertaining. Additionally, the history between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Clippers adds to the allure of this matchup, especially since it takes place during the holidays.
Saturday, December 23, 7 PM: Los Angeles Lakers
On the eve of Christmas Eve, the Lakers will be in town, and anywhere the Lakers are, and better yet, LeBron James, equals entertainment. Plus, both the Thunder and Lakers are looking to have big seasons. I believe this matchup will be more entertaining than in recent years.
Tuesday, January 2, 7 PM: Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics in Oklahoma City? Sign me up. Just like the Lakers, the Celtics bring a unique draw to whatever arena they play in, and while in previous years fans would come to this game for the star appeal, this year, the Thunder have a chance to make these games entertaining.
Sunday, February 11, 2 PM: Sacramento Kings
When I think of the most talented young cores in the league, I think of the Thunder, Grizzlies, and the Kings. Not to mention, Thunder fans love when Domantas Sabonis returns to OKC to wreak havoc. Hopefully Chet Holmgren can contain him.
Friday, March 8, 7 PM: Miami Heat
One of the best teams in the NBA is traveling to Oklahoma City for a late-season game that will likely have significant playoff implications. This easily makes it a top 10 home matchup. God forbid Damian Lillard figures out a way to get to Miami. This game will end up being even more of a draw.
Sunday, March 10, 6 PM: Memphis Grizzlies
Finally! A Ja Morant-led Grizzlies squad inside the Paycom Center. Regardless of your opinion on Morant, no one can argue that he’s one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. He makes Memphis better and will make for a more entertaining matchup for the Thunder.
Friday, March 29, 7 PM: Phoenix Suns
This late in the season, we’ll all know whether or not the Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal experiment was a failure or not. Either way, this will be a draw, just like every time Durant returns to OKC. Fans will troll, fans will cheer, but either way, it’ll be a fun-filled game.
