Thunder Open Season With Double-Overtime Win Amid Injuries

Oklahoma City Thunder raised their championship banner and received rings before a 125-124 double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA season opener on NBC, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander coming up clutch. The victory came amid a string of injuries and absences — including Jalen Williams (recovering from wrist surgery), Alex Caruso (in concussion protocol), Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams and Nikola Topic — which has opened meaningful minutes for younger players such as Ajay Mitchell. Head coach Mark Daigneault is adjusting lineups and relying on depth options like Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins to cover rotation roles. Oklahoma City begins the season as betting favorites to repeat, though sportsbooks show shifting money toward Denver, the Lakers, the Warriors and the Mavericks. The Thunder also face renewed intrigue with the Indiana Pacers, who are grappling with Tyrese Haliburton’s injury and Myles Turner’s offseason departure, increasing the importance of OKC’s depth early in the season.