SportSpyder - The Latest Oklahoma City Thunder News

19 February 2026

• [Locked On Thunder] - THUNDER SQUAD SHOW: Why OKC Will Put The Rest Of The NBA ON NOTICE + Latest Thunder Injury News
  Oklahoma City Thunder news today with Tyler Jones, Rylan Stiles, and Derek Parker breakdown why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder could put the res...
• [Down to Dunk] - Thunder's Roster Dilemma: Who Stays and Who Goes?
  Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
• [USA Today: OKC Thunder Wire] - Mark Cuban calls out OKC for tanking; believes tanking is good for NBA
  Mark Cuban calls out Oklahoma City Thunder for tanking; believes tanking is good for NBA.
• [Yardbarker] - The 'Most 40-point games in a season' quiz
  How many of the players to score 40 or more points at least 10 times in one season since the NBA/ABA merger (1976-77) can you name in six minutes?
• [Fansided: Thunderous Intentions] - Thunder must face a dangerous new reality as championship hopes grow slimmer
  Entering the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were the championship favorites in most people's books. They had brought back essentially their entire team from
• [Fan Nation] - The MVP Race Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Race To Lose
  The MVP is looking to defend his throne. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed his first-ever MVP last season, after leading the Thunder to the best record in the le
• [The Score] - NBA awards watch: Eligibility cutoffs mar major races
  Welcome to our recurring look at the top contenders for the NBA's various individual awards. This time, we're assessing matters as the season's final act begins following the All-Star break.Rookie of the Yearwindow.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});Edgecombe's 14.9 points rank third among rookies, but his impact goes beyond that. He's often tasked with guarding the opposition's best perimeter player, accepting the challenge while remaining a key contributor on offense, where he's shooting better than expected (35.2% from three). He thrives as a spot-up player who can attack closeouts and as an on-ball initiator. The Sixers ask a lot of Edgecombe, and he answers the call with unmatched effort, as evidenced by his league-leading 1.2 loose balls recovered per game.Odds: +6600window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});Knueppel has drilled the second-most threes in the league (183), trailing Donovan Mitchell by two. He's threatening to become the first rookie to lead the NBA in 3-pointers and remains on pace to shatter the all-time rookie mark, which Keegan Murray set in 2023 with 206. But don't mistake Knueppel for a one-dimensional player. His all-around skill set (18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists) has been a huge catalyst for the Hornets' midseason emergence. His off-ball movement, on-ball creation, finishing, rebounding, and playmaking, in particular, are more advanced than that of most other rookies.Odds: +400window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});Flagg's 49 games are a large enough sample size to call him one of the best rookie two-way players ever. The 19-year-old leads all first-year NBAers in scoring (20.4 points) while adding 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He plays with a rare, unteachable combo of force and patience, allowing him to reach any spot on the floor and dominate as a scorer and playmaker. A 30.2% mark from three is his only flaw, but Flagg, who shot 38.5% from deep in his lone season at Duke, should continue to develop in that area.Odds: -600Defensive Player of the Yearwindow.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});Four-time winner Gobert is eyeing a record fifth DPOY award, and he's been tasked with a substantial burden, as the Timberwolves have occasionally struggled on that end of the floor. Still, Minnesota owns the league's seventh-best defense (112.4), a return that vastly improves with Gobert on the court (107.9). That mark would be the second-best defensive rating behind the Thunder. That's enough to keep Scottie Barnes from entering top-three territory.Odds: +1500window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});First-time All-Star Holmgren is the primary rim protector for a Thunder team that's been without multiple wing defenders for a majority of the season and interior help from Isaiah Hartenstein for nearly half of it. And yet, Oklahoma City boasts the league's best defensive rating (107.8). Holmgren leads the NBA in defensive win shares (3.2) and sits fourth in blocks per game (1.9), impressive numbers for someone averaging fewer than 30 minutes.Odds: +300window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});Wembanyama is at risk of missing out on end-of-season awards for the second straight year due to the 65-game requirement. The towering Frenchman will become ineligible if he misses four more contests. For now, he leads the league in blocks per game (2.6), defensive rebounds per 100 possessions (15.1), and defensive rating (102.9). Although Adam Silver has an immeasurable to-do list, modifying the award eligibili...
• [Fansided: Thunderous Intentions] - Cason Wallace has given himself an opportunity for a major contract increase
  Cason Wallace has had an impressive offensive stretch, which, if continued, can lead to some big contract negotiations.
• [Last Word on Sports] - Best Fits For Tennessee’s Nate Ament Among Lottery Teams
  One prospect in the who has seen a resurgence of late is Tennessee forward . Standing at six-foot-ten, has demonstrated himself to be a rangy forward who has upside as a shooter and defender. Furthermore, he has shown promise as a rebounder and passer. While he struggled early on this season, Ament has turned it around this past month in conference play. Under the right development staff, Ament can be an impactful floor-spacing wing in the future for an NBA team. As of February 18th, let’s dive into a ranking of the best fits for Ament among teams currently projected to be in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. Best Fits For Tennessee’s Nate Ament Among Lottery Teams San Antonio Spurs One partnership between a team and a player that would work out well for both sides is a partnership between Ament and the San Antonio Spurs. For the Spurs, they clearly need another bigger wing in their rotation who can shoot, defend, and rebound at a high level. In terms of those three things, Ament has the upside to provide all three while being a taller wing. A combination of and Ament would be a great wing rotation in the frontcourt next to . In an ideal future, Ament can fit with Bryant as athletic 3-and-D wings between a world-class talent in Wembanyama, forming a great defensive trio. On Ament’s end, the Spurs would be an ideal landing spot for him. For his specific skill set, he would immensely benefit from playing next to strong playmakers like , , and , who can help him get easy looks. Additionally, having strong-bodied defenders like Castle and around him can help in handling physically imposing wings. More importantly, the Spurs have an excellent developmental staff that can help Ament. In particular, he needs to improve the strength of his frame as he still struggles with contact. Plus, he can use more development in his shot. Ament going to San Antonio would be a great fit for all parties involved. Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) dunks the ball during an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma on Feb. 18, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Oklahoma City Thunder Another team that Ament would be a good fit for is the Oklahoma City Thunder. They can also use another bigger wing in the rotation. Ament has the size and length the Thunder can use on the perimeter. Furthermore, he fits within their drafting philosophy of being able to dribble, pass, and shoot. Next to , Ament can make Oklahoma City’s frontcourt even bigger than it already is. Plus, he will provide additional rebounding from the wings, considering those physical tools. In terms of offense, Ament can provide floor spacing around the Thunder’s stars as well as tertiary ball-handling and passing. Ament himself would be receiving great benefits from going to Oklahoma City. Firstly, the Thunder themselves have a great developmental staff themselves. They can help him develop while he gets to learn behind great players like and Holmgren. Additionally, the rest of the Thunder’s roster would be great fits around Ament. They have elite defenders who can help Ament out on that end of the floor. Offensively, they also have players who are elite spacers like , who can give Ament room to work with as a scorer. The Thunder and Ament would be a great pairing going forward in terms of fit, providing each other with what they need. Featured Image: Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
• [Roundtable: ThunderRoundtable] - Intriguing Lineup Combinations for OKC Thunder Once Healthy
  Unlocking potent lineups, the Thunder anticipate a fearsome return as key players heal. Discover innovative pairings designed to dominate opposing defenses.