Thunder rookie set to play first Oklahoma home game in over 2 years

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Otega Oweh is set to play his first game in Oklahoma since March 2024 during Tuesday's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans in Tulsa. Oweh previously played two collegiate seasons for the Oklahoma Sooners before transferring to Kentucky. The matchup marks his first in-game appearance since suffering an injury in his second NBA Summer League game.

Oweh is expected to see extended playing time as head coach Mark Daigneault announced that seven players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, will sit out. Writer Mark Nilon notes that strong performances could help Oweh contend for the Thunder's final open roster spot.