Where to Watch Today's Thunder vs Hornets: NBA Preseason Game Time and TV Schedule

The Oklahoma City Thunder open their preseason slate against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday in North Charleston, South Carolina. This tune-up matters: OKC is the defending NBA champion and returns virtually its full core as it chases back-to-back titles. Expect a competitive preseason vibe as coaches test rotations and young players chase minutes.

Quick facts to lock in:

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 5
• Tipoff: 4 p.m. CT
• Venue: North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC

These games give role players their chance and let stars find rhythm — the real action starts now. As a former NBA player, I’ll tell you: preseason reveals as much about grit and preparation as it does about box score lines.

Where To Watch Thunder Vs Hornets: TV And Streaming Options For Fans

If you’re tuning in from home or on the go, there are multiple ways to catch the game. Local and national partners like ESPN, TNT, and ABC cover marquee nights, but preseason distribution can shift to team apps and league streaming.

• Thunder App: Mobile streaming option for fans following OKC-specific coverage.
• NBA League Pass: Watch live on NBA.com or the League Pass app (subscription required).
• Broadcast partners to check: Bally Sports, FOX Sports, and national networks when designated.
• Streaming bundles that sometimes carry preseason or regional channels: Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

Subscription tip: NBA League Pass starts at $16.99/month or $109.99/season for many viewers; regional blackout rules may apply. If you want deeper preseason context and player previews, check reporting from media day and league features — they’re great reads for context and expectations.

• Media day insights: NBA Media Day Stars & Insights
• How global preseason events shape talent exposure: NBA Abu Dhabi Games

How To Stream The Game: NBA League Pass, Apps, And Pay TV Options

Practical streaming routes depend on where you are. For this matchup, the simplest paths are the Thunder App for mobile viewers or subscribing to NBA League Pass through NBA.com. If you use a streaming bundle, verify whether the regional channel carrying the game is included.

• Step 1: Open the Thunder App for team-centric pregame shows and live stream access.
• Step 2: If you prefer cross-platform viewing, use NBA League Pass on desktop, mobile, or connected TV devices.
• Step 3: Check packages on Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV if you want wider channel access beyond League Pass.

Remember: blackout restrictions can affect League Pass availability for local games. For those following player narratives, a few great longform pieces give roster context and player rankings.

• Top players and season outlooks: Top 25 NBA Players
• Season rankings and preseason power looks: NBA 2025 Player Rankings

Game Details And Why Sunday’s Preseason Matchup Matters For The NBA Title Defense

The Thunder’s preseason opener is more than a tune-up. After last season’s championship, OKC returns all but one player from its 15-man roster and wants to build continuity early. The Hornets will test their young core led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

• Significance: First of six preseason games for the defending champions — critical for chemistry.
• Spotlight players: Watch how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander manages minutes and how rookies or bench players respond.
• Coaching notes: Preseason is when rotations get tentative minutes; look for experimentation.

For a deeper look at the league’s top talent and how that shapes matchup expectations, review these analyses and ranking features.

• Superstars who influence title races: NBA Top 10 Superstars
• Context on offseason moves that shift roles: NBA Offseason Trades & Drafts

Key insight: preseason performance often foreshadows rotation battles — watch minutes and effort more than box scores.

OKC Thunder Preseason Schedule, Broadcast Notes, And Projected Starters

Below is the Thunder’s full preseason slate with viewing notes and the projected starters for both clubs. Use this to plan which games to catch on national networks or streaming services.

• Sunday, Oct. 5: vs. Charlotte Hornets — 4 p.m. CT, North Charleston Coliseum (watch via Thunder App or NBA League Pass)
• Monday, Oct. 6: vs. Dallas Mavericks — 7:30 p.m., Fort Worth, TX (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)
• Thursday, Oct. 9: vs. Charlotte Hornets — 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network)
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Indiana Pacers — 6 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)
• Tuesday, Oct. 14: at Milwaukee Bucks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Friday, Oct. 17: vs. Denver Nuggets — 7 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network and NBA TV)

Projected starters give a sense of the core rotation expected early in the season:

• OKC Thunder starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
• Charlotte Hornets starters: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Pat Connaughton, Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabaté

Want background on rising talents and roster narratives? These write-ups are solid references for who to watch and why they matter.

• Deep dives on rising players: Top 10 Superstars perspectives
• Additional context on top prospects and rankings: NBA Rankings: Top Players 100-51
• Stories on rookie acclimation and role shifts: Reaves: Welcome To NBA

Final insight for this section: preseason is the testing ground — watch how minutes are allocated and which bench pieces earn trust.

What time and where is the Thunder vs Hornets preseason game?

The game is on Sunday, Oct. 5 with tipoff at 4 p.m. CT at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina.

How can I stream Thunder vs Hornets live?

You can stream via the Thunder App or watch through NBA League Pass on NBA.com. Some regional broadcasts may also appear on services like Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV depending on rights and blackouts.

Is the preseason game nationally televised?

This specific matchup is available through team and league streaming. National networks like ESPN, TNT, or ABC typically carry select preseason games, but check local listings and the Thunder’s media notes for exact channel assignments.

Why should I watch preseason games?

Preseason reveals rotation decisions, young player development, and how coaches intend to manage minutes. It’s where role players make a case for regular-season minutes and where veterans tune their rhythm.