Inside The Thunder

OKC will need Willimas to showcase the same play he did in last year's playoffs. Mar 29, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) gestures after a play against the New York Knicks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images One of OKC’s biggest stars will need to play to his potential once again.

The Thunder could use a great opening round from their top floor spacer. Mar 29, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) watches his shot go in the basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The Oklahoma City Thunder are inching closer to the start of the playoffs, and their sharpshooter could build some confidence in the first round.

Oklahoma City has reason to want Golden State in its first-round matchup. Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) smiles on the court after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.

OKC has one of the best defenses in the world, and it needs to continue to use that to its advantage. Mar 1, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) looks on during the game between the Mavericks and the Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Oklahoma City’s defense can be the reason it continues its dominance.

The Thunder should be ready for some scuffles to begin the postseason. Feb 3, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) reacts after a. Play against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City is set to begin its postseason once again, and the first round could feature plenty of noise on the floor.

After not being in the Oklahoma City Thunder's main rotation in last year's postseason, breakout star Ajay Mitchell is set to have a big performance in 2026. Apr 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) moves past Utah Jazz guard Kennedy Chandler (0) during the second half at Paycom Center.

Caruso's production has taken a dip this season, but hopefully the playoffs are able to revive it. Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The Thunder could use the help of their veteran guard once again this postseason.

The Thunder rookie has been back on the floor for a couple of months ahead of the postseason tipping off. Apr 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) walks down the court during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City is set for another playoff run, and one of its reserves could be in for an interesting postseason.

The Thunder might not have the league's best whistle, but no one capitalizes on their chances better. May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots free throws against the Denver Nuggets in the second half during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.

Oklahoma City will end up playing either the Suns or the Warriors, and must be ready to match up against either squad. Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) dribbles down the court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Paycom Center.