Thunder Buddies

The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez and Joe Mussatto give their takeaways from the OKC Thunder's opening-night home win over the Houston Rockets.

The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez and Joe Mussatto give one goal for every OKC Thunder player during the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez and Joe Mussatto give their predictions for the OKC Thunder during the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez and Joe Mussatto discuss what they learned from the OKC Thunder's media day, NBA preseason play and more.

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.

After 95 incredibly fun podcasts, Michael Martin will be hosting his last Thunder Buddies podcast today. Michael explains what is going down, the timeline of events and what is up next for him. The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin then break down their most interesting storylines ahead of Sam Presti’s media availability and Thunder media day. Then to wrap things up on this chapter, Joe and Michael reminisce on the fun times they have had together over the past 9 months, some funny stories in a stroll down memory lane and last but not least a thank you to the listeners for supporting the show this year. Stay tuned for more information on the Thunder Buddies podcast going forward! For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

You all had questions and we had answers! The Thunder Buddies: Joe Mussatto and Michael Martin have a special mailbag pod with questions from all of you great listeners. We discuss rotation staples, possible trades, Shai’s writing skills, best-case scenarios for next season and more! For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

Today the Thunder Buddies are joined by a familiar face under a new title! Joe Mussatto, now a sports columnist, is back on the pod with Michael Martin and ready to talk Thunder basketball. Kicking things off we discussed the new Thunder arena announcements/news that came out on Tuesday night, what it means and more. Then the Thunder Buddies give their final thoughts on FIBA Shai along with a historical comparison of SGA’s run to Kevin Durant’s play in the 2010 World Cup. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Joe Mussatto (Joe_Mussatto) Producer: Michael Martin

The Canadians made history this weekend lead by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as they beat Team USA for the bronze medal in FIBA basketball. This is the first FIBA medal for Canada ever and their first medal in men’s basketball since the 1936 Olympics. Michael Martin is riding solo on this bite-sized pod breaking down Shai’s FIBA performance, Team Canada’s win, how different players, coaches and media members have reacted to Shai’s recent play and finally Shai’s standing in the league and how it helps OKC to have already have a franchise star as they continue building this team. For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

While most Thunder fans were sound asleep, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort and Team Canada were in FIBA action against Serbia across the globe. The Canadians came up short, but Michael Martin and guest Rylan Stiles have all the info and breakdown from the game. Then we pivot to the future and preview Canada taking on Team USA for the bronze medal, how Shai matches up with Anthony Edwards, Shai on the big stage, what a win could mean for Canada and more! For more Thunder Buddies Podcast updates, Thunder news, highlights and more make sure to follow @ThunderBudPod on Twitter! Also make sure to rate the show 5 stars along with a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Host: Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) Analyst: Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) Producer: Michael Martin