Pregame Primer: Thunder open season in Denver

Game Info

National Broadcast: TNT

Tip-off: 9pm | NBA.com preview

3 Big Things

• Introducing... Alex Caruso will be introduced as a starter or, presumably, the first man off the bench for OKC. We'll be tracking how lineups perform with the newcomer in Josh Giddey's slot from here until the playoffs.
• The Big Measuring Stick. I was humored and heartened that Chet Holmgren challenged himself to match Nikola Jokic as a rookie. The Wemby vs. Chet rivalry is fun, but this is the kind of matchup that will reveal how Holmgren is holding up against the league's best contending front courts.
• More small ball. With Isaiah Hartenstein out to open the season, we'll have to wait for significant alterations to the familiar guard- and wing-heavy playstyle that thrived for Oklahoma City last (regular) season with Chet at the five.

Ain’t Seen Nothing Chet: Holmgren Belongs

Chet Holmgren immediately makes sense, and will be a worthy part of the next Thunder title contender.

Daily ThunderCray Allred

When Chet struggles or gets slighted, he gets angry, not embarrassed. He's going to keep asserting his place among the NBA greats in star-studded summer workouts, in salty tweets, and when facing down the next transcendent behemoth looking to humble a cocky young talent... Reminds me of another fierce Thunder competitor from the past.

Predictions

Denver's roster is healthy, at home, and just got paid. Nuggets by 4.