Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is mounting the list of all-time Oklahoma City Thunder greats in many categories. In Friday night's game in the 131-94 routing over the

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game to be played on January 5, 2026 on ESPN.

When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked to name the Oklahoma City Thunder Mount Rushmore, his answer was simple and revealing. Speaking on a Sports Illustrated show, Shai didn’t hesitate. It was a list rooted in impact, legacy, and honesty. It also quietly said a lot about how Shai understands Oklahoma City basketball and its history.

The Thunder were led once again by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 30 points and assisted on seven makes in just 28 minutes of play. His co-star, Chet Holmgren, added another two-way performance to his record, with 15 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.

Holmgren is also the betting favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, currently a -195 favorite on FanDuel ahead of the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo (+800), Houston’s Amen Thompson (+900), and Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert (+1500).

Preview the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA matchup with Portland, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

Chet Holmgren had 29 points and nine rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away in the second half for a 129-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, ending a two-game skid.

Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder held the Portland Trail Blazers to 41 points in the second half, cruising to a 124-95 win at the Paycom Center. After Holmgren revealed that opposing teams defend him differently, he swatted a season-high six blocks against the Trail Blazers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a heartbreaker in a 108-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. To his credit, Devin Booker scored the game-winner in the final seconds as he pulled up from deep for the 3-pointer.