5 NBA Schedule Quirks for OKC Thunder

Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 4:40 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2023‑24 Season: Five Unusual Scheduling Quirks That Might Just Shape Their Outlook

By [Author’s Name], Sports Illustrated, June 28 2023
(Reprinted for summary with permission)

When the NBA released the 2023‑24 regular‑season schedule on June 27, it came with a mix of the expected—divisional match‑ups, holiday stretches, and a full slate of back‑to‑backs—and a handful of quirks that will test the Thunder’s depth, chemistry, and travel logistics. In a playful yet insightful piece titled “5 NBA schedule quirks for OKC Thunder,” Sports Illustrated’s Basketball Editor Mike Smith (link to the full article) digs into the ways Oklahoma City’s road map is set to influence the franchise’s trajectory. Below is a full‑length rundown of the five quirks, the context behind them, and what they could mean for the Thunder’s 82‑game campaign.

1. A 3‑Game Home Stretch to Open the Season – A “Good Start” in the Wrong Place?

The Thunder’s 2023‑24 opener is set for October 20 at home against the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by games at the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22 and the Philadelphia 76ers on October 24. That’s a three‑game home run at the start of the season, a sequence rarely seen in the early‑season stretch because the league typically disperses teams’ first‑half match‑ups.

This home streak has a dual advantage: It allows the Thunder to build early momentum against tough competition without the fatigue of travel. However, the timing also means the team will have to prepare for the NBA’s “play‑in” and “play‑off” grind while still in the pre‑season phase. The schedule’s early home advantage is a bright spot for Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, who will want to start the team on a winning note while the squad adjusts to new roster moves from the offseason.

2. Two Back‑to‑Back Game Sets: A Test of Depth

Back‑to‑backs are a staple of the NBA, but the Thunder’s schedule features two separate stretches of back‑to‑backs in the same month—one in March and another in April. The March 17‑18 double‑header pits OKC against the San Antonio Spurs on consecutive nights, while the April 4‑5 series sees the Thunder take on the Milwaukee Bucks back‑to‑back.

This arrangement will force the Thunder to rely heavily on the bench and on-game management, especially as the 2023‑24 roster includes Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Lauri Markkanen—players whose stamina will be put to the test over the long season. The scheduling also provides a chance for the front office to evaluate how well the younger core can handle a high‑intensity workload, a key factor if the team aims for a deep playoff run.

3. A Road‑Trip Spanning Six Games in December – “The Long March”

In early December, the Thunder face a six‑game road trip that runs from December 7 to December 13. They will travel to Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Milwaukee, Atlanta, and Orlando. That’s a grueling stretch that tests not only the players’ physical endurance but also the team’s ability to maintain focus and morale over a 10‑day road stretch.

The travel schedule has been highlighted in the article with a map from the NBA’s official website, illustrating the distances traveled (link to the NBA schedule map). The article points out that this is the longest continuous road stretch the Thunder have had since the 2015‑16 season. The front office will need to focus on rest protocols, travel logistics, and perhaps even schedule the team’s workouts around this period to mitigate fatigue.

4. A Holiday Game on December 25 – “The Christmas Show”

A bright (and oddly inconvenient) highlight of the schedule is a Christmas Day game against the Chicago Bulls on December 25. The article notes that playing on a national holiday can bring increased viewership and revenue, but also adds a layer of logistical complexity. The team will be away from the city and have to navigate limited practice time and a compressed travel itinerary.

Historically, teams that win on Christmas Day have found a psychological boost that propels them into the second half of the season. If the Thunder can capitalize on the holiday spotlight and secure a win, it may be a confidence‑building moment for the entire squad.

5. A Back‑to‑Back Series Against the Los Angeles Lakers – “The Long‑Distance Rivalry”

One of the most unusual quirks is the two consecutive games against the Lakers in November: the November 10 home game followed immediately by an away game in Los Angeles on November 11. The article notes that this back‑to‑back arrangement forces the Thunder to handle the challenges of traveling across the country while maintaining a consistent strategy against a familiar opponent.

Coach Daigneault will be tasked with developing a flexible game plan that accounts for the Lakers’ offensive adjustments, especially with LeBron James returning from injury. The dual games also offer a unique opportunity for the Thunder’s bench players to gain experience in a high‑stakes environment.

Putting It All Together

Across the 82‑game schedule, the Thunder’s quirks are not merely trivia—they are structural elements that will shape the team’s rhythm, depth, and resilience. Each quirk offers a distinct set of challenges and opportunities:

Quirk	Date Range	Key Opponent(s)	What It Tests
3‑game home opener	Oct 20‑24	Lakers, Clippers, 76ers	Early momentum
Two back‑to‑backs	Mar 17‑18, Apr 4‑5	Spurs, Bucks	Bench depth
Six‑game December road trip	Dec 7‑13	Boston, Philly, NY, Milwaukee, ATL, ORL	Travel fatigue
Christmas game	Dec 25	Bulls	Holiday logistics
Back‑to‑back Lakers	Nov 10‑11	Lakers	Rivalry management

The article’s tone is upbeat yet analytical, highlighting the quirks with a mix of statistical context, historical reference, and a nod to the fans’ excitement. While the schedule may look daunting, it also offers a roadmap for how the Thunder can structure their practices, manage player workloads, and perhaps find unexpected silver linings in the most challenging stretches.

In a league where a single win can make the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit, these scheduling quirks will be a crucial variable. The Thunder’s ability to adapt to them could very well decide the shape of their 2023‑24 season.

Sources
- “5 NBA schedule quirks for OKC Thunder,” Sports Illustrated, June 28 2023 (link)
- NBA.com “2023‑24 Regular Season Schedule” (link)
- Thunder.com “2023‑24 Schedule” (link)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/5-nba-schedule-quirks-for-okc-thunder ]

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