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.

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.

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.

A list of the top-50 most impactful players is filled with Thunder talent. 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 The Thunder’s roster is stacked with talent that could once again take them all the way.

Wallace has had an outstanding defensive season, and OKC hopes he can continue this in the playoffs. Mar 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) reacts after a play against the Detroit Pistons during overtime at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City will need one of its greatest defensive weapons to continue his regin.

The Thunder's deep range threat could make or break certain games. 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 OKC’s sharpshooter could be a key factor in this year's playoff run.

While OKC is looking for its second championship in a row, other teams are doing everything they can to stop them. Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Intuit Dome.