The Oklahoma City Thunder continue preseason play Monday night in Fort Worth, taking on the Dallas Mavericks at Dickies Arena in the second game of a back-to-back.
This marks preseason game number two out of six for Oklahoma City, all played over the span of two weeks leading up to the regular season opener later this month. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CT on KSBI 52, part of Griffin Media’s preseason and regular season broadcast schedule.
SEE ALSO: OKC Thunder open preseason with 135–114 win over Hornets in Charleston
Thunder Injury Updates
Thunder reporter Steve McGehee is on-site in Fort Worth and reports that several key players will be unavailable for tonight’s matchup.
Branden Carlson is out with right calf soreness after playing in Sunday’s win over Charlotte.
Aaron Wiggins will sit out for rest.
Nikola Topić underwent a surgical procedure earlier today and is expected to be sidelined until November.
McGehee noted that Cason Wallace is available tonight after missing the trip to South Carolina last weekend.
“Obviously had a more narrow role early on on offense because of the level of our team and where he’s been,” said Head Coach Mark Daigneault. “But we think there’s a lot of runway there. I think we’ll probably see some of that this year, expecting him to take a step forward offensively. And defensively, he’s already, even without a ton of seasoning, unbelievably impactful.”
Thunder’s First Look on Griffin Media
Tonight marks the Thunder’s first appearance on Griffin Media, as KSBI begins airing its slate of preseason coverage. KSBI 52 will broadcast three Thunder preseason games, while KWTV News 9 will carry four regular season games, beginning October 25.
Thunder Storyline
Oklahoma City opened the preseason with a 135–114 win over the Charlotte Hornets in North Charleston. The Thunder played fast and clean despite missing several regular starters.
Aaron Wiggins led the way with 23 points, Jaylin Williams hit five three-pointers, and Ousmane Deing set the tone early. Rookie guard Nikola Topić showed poise in extended minutes.
“The ball moved really well, got into a nice rhythm on offense… a good starting point for us,” Daigneault said after Sunday’s win.
“It was more about us growing as a team and working on our priorities,” added Wiggins.
Dallas, Through a Thunder Lens
While No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg headlines Dallas’ preseason debut, the Mavericks’ continuity may be their biggest edge in early October. With most of last year’s core returning, expect quick reads, clean spacing, and early experimentation with Flagg as a point-forward.
Dallas has been using him as a transition creator and half-court hub, setting up shooters in motion offense.
Where to Watch
📅 Date: Monday, October 6
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM CT (pregame coverage at 7:20 PM)
📍 Location: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
📺 TV: KSBI 52