# Spurs vs. Thunder: NBA Season Opener

> San Antonio Spurs face Oklahoma City Thunder in first NBA matchup after 143 days of rivalry history.
- Title: Spurs vs. Thunder: NBA Season Opener · San Antonio Spurs On SI
- Summary: San Antonio Spurs face Oklahoma City Thunder in first NBA matchup after 143 days of rivalry history. Spurs and Thunder meet in season opener after 143 days…
- Keywords: san antonio spurs, oklahoma city thunder, nba, victor wembanyama, shai gilgeous-alexander, season opener, western conference, sports, Spurs, Thunder, Season, Opener
- Source: San Antonio Spurs On SI — https://si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/unfinished-business-preview-how-to-watch-san-antonio-spurs-season-opener-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:45:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: san antonio spurs, oklahoma city thunder, nba, victor wembanyama, shai gilgeous-alexander, season opener, western conference, sports
## Rivalry History
Spurs and Thunder meet after 143 days since last playoff clash.
## Rivalry Timeline
2012: Thunder eliminated Spurs in Western Conference finals; 2014: Spurs won NBA championship; 2016: Thunder eliminated 67-win Spurs.
## 2026 Rivalry
Spurs defeated Thunder 111-109 in 2025 NBA Cup Semifinals before winning 2026 Western Conference Finals.
## Spurs' New Lineup
Spurs start with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama.
## Spurs' Injuries
Tobias Harris recovering from calf strain; Jayden Quaintance sidelined with knee injury.
## Thunder's Lineup
Thunder start with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
## Thunder's Injuries
Otega Oweh, Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topić ruled out for game.
## Wembanyama vs. Holmgren
Wembanyama averaged 27.3 points in Western Conference Finals; Holmgren scored 10.7 points.
## Harper's Preseason
Harper averaged 14.8 points in preseason with 57.1% shooting from three-point range.
## Spurs' Championship Heartbreak
Spurs reached NBA Finals after beating Thunder but lost to New York Knicks in five games.
## Wembanyama's Motivation
Wembanyama said, 'I want to win so bad. It's like my life depends on it.'

> I want to win so bad, it's like my life depends on it
## Spurs' Focus
Spurs aim to prove they can sustain championship-level play throughout the season.
## Game Details
Game starts Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m. Central at Frost Bank Center.
## Broadcast Info
Game broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
## Next Steps
Spurs and Thunder aim to build on lessons from last year's championship run.
## Key takeaway

Spurs and Thunder meet in season opener after 143 days since last playoff clash, with both teams aiming for championship success.