The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching and is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated campaigns in Oklahoma City Thunder history.
After posting 57 wins a year ago en route to the top spot in the West and their first playoff victory since 2016, the Thunder used the 2024 NBA offseason to significantly upgrade their roster. The team bolstered their frontcourt with the biggest free agent signing in club history, Isaiah Hartenstein, who lured the 6-foot-4 forward away from New York.
In the trade market, Sam Presti parted ways with 21-year-old Josh Giddey in favor of a player more suited to the Thunder’s style of play in Alex Caruso, a two-time defensive end who shoots 40 percent from three-point range. With those two players added to the core that took the league by storm last year, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City is seeing a rise in expectations.
While Vegas odds favor the Thunder to come out of the West — including the second-best odds to win the NBA Finals behind the Boston Celtics — Oklahoma City also sees its win total set at 56.5.
The Thunder have enough talent to reach that mark, repeat their 57-win streak or improve on it, simply because of the additions they made this season. However, a determining factor in whether Oklahoma City gets there will be how it handles its longest away streak of the season.
The Thunder will play two separate four-game road trips, with the first taking place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 and featuring games against the Kings, Warriors, Lakers and Rockets. From Jan. 8 to 14, the Thunder will face the Cavs, Knicks, Wizards and 76ers.
A big reason Oklahoma City was able to pull off a 57-win campaign a year ago was its unwavering consistency, rarely losing back-to-back games and only having one three-game losing streak (1) all year, thanks in large part to superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being sidelined.
If the Thunder are to match or improve on that win total, managing those swings on the road will be critical.
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