What might August be on the NBA calendar — other than an invitation for dreaded redrafts and for fanbases to mindlessly clash — if not for the league’s schedule release? 

The matchups. The storylines. The anticipation. All tangible, even while being two months from regular season NBA action. 

With plenty to dissect, The Oklahoman’s Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto picked apart the Thunder’s 82-game slate for the most important footnotes on the newest episode of Thunder Buddies. With as highly anticipated a season for OKC in recent memory, there were quite a few notable dates. 

The two tried to frame OKC’s load of back-to-backs; they questioned how former Thunder Josh Giddey might be received in his return; they tried to explain the NBA’s exclusion of OKC on the Christmas slate; they discussed some of the team’s matchups, touching on the Thunder’s national TV slate and a difficult March.

The Thunder added Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline Thursday. Beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto break down the deal. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto grade the Thunder's top-eight rotation players through the halfway mark of the season. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's East Coast trip, talk Aaron Wiggins' value and discuss the Ringer's updated player rankings. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's loss in Atlanta and make some rest-of-season predictions for OKC

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto talk OKC's tough January schedule and ask the question: Do the Thunder need to make a trade? 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-winner in Denver, Chet Holmgren's place among rookie greats and where SGA ranks in the MVP race. 

Oklahoma City residents voted yes Tuesday night to fund a new downtown arena. Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto break down the vote, what it means and what happens next. They also discuss their favorite arenas in the NBA. 

Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and columnist Joe Mussatto recap the Thunder's loss in Houston, Josh Giddey's ongoing struggles and what might change with OKC's guard rotation. 

Meet Joel Lorenzi, The Oklahoman's new Thunder beat writer. Joel and columnist Joe Mussatto talk Joel's background, his early Thunder thoughts, his reporting on Josh Giddey and more.