Can OKC extend their hot streak? They face tough opponents, aiming for double digits after recent wins.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the middle of a bit of a bounce back.
After blazing through the 30% of the season with a 24-1 record, the Thunder hit a little speed bump on the projected path to 70 wins. Three losses to the San Antonio Spurs and one defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves all occurring within a two week span caused a teeny bit of concern among a small but vocal minority of the Thunder faithful.
OKC has responded with three straight wins over the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers. Not exactly a trio of contenders, especially with Trae Young and Jalen Johnson out for the Hawks, but still a solid slate of opponents that the Thunder handled with varying levels of ease.
The question now becomes whether the four losses in 13 days was merely a blip on the radar or a sign of things to come as the Oklahoma City schedule gets progressively tougher in 2026? The Thunder have already ripped of an 8 game win streak and a 16 game win streak this season. Is their current three consecutive victories just the beginning of another long run of wins?
Coincidentally, OKC has the ability to stretch this latest streak to double digits by finally taking down the Spurs in their fourth matchup of the year on January 13. Let's break down the Thunder's upcoming opponents and the likelihood of reaching another 10 game win streak.
Thunder @ Warriors. 1/2/26. Draymond Green has already been announced as sitting out this nationally televised game on Prime Video due to rest. Steph Curry is questionable due to an ankle injury. Jimmy Butler is going to play and Golden State is always tough at home if Curry suits up. But this should be a Thunder win.
Thunder @ Suns. 1/4/26. Phoenix may be the surprise team in the Western Conference this season. Impressive as the Suns have been, the Thunder have already beat them twice. It'll be tougher on the road but odds should still lean to OKC.
Thunder vs Hornets. 1/5/26. Sure, it's Charlotte, but this game falls on the second night of a back to back. Assuming OKC rests some players, the Hornets have enough talent to keep it competitive. But it's hard to see this team losing to Charlotte at home.
Thunder vs Jazz. 1/7/26. Utah seems to already have pivoted to tank mode. Danny Ainge will happily give OKC a win to help the odds of not sadly giving OKC a 1st round pick.
Thunder @ Grizzlies. 1/9/26. OKC has won 11 straight over Memphis dating back to 2022. And that doesn't even include the series sweep in last year's playoffs.
Thunder vs Heat. 1/11/26. Miami has won four straight games and currently owns a 19-15 record. OKC is the better team and playing at home, but the Heat do employ noted Thunder arch nemesis Andrew Wiggins.
Thunder vs Spurs. 1/13/26. This game was flexed to NBC/Peacock. All eyes of the basketball world will be watching the top two teams in the West duke it out. Especially after the Spurs toppled the seemingly indestructible Thunder three times. Even moreso if the champs come in on a nine game win streak.