OKC Thunder v. Portland Trail Blazers

Friday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
The preseason is over, and by the time this bit appears online, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have beat the Dallas Mavericks in preseason at Wichita, Kan., and defeated San Antonio on the opposition’s home court, the AT&T Center, for the first official game of the season. Well, one is true, and the other is very likely to become fact if you’re a fan already operating in “thunder up” mode. Hopes are high for the team to make a return to the NBA finals a second year. After losing the championship in June to the Miami Heat, we’re counting on that dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to break the team into another successful run sans our favorite Beard, Mr. James Harden, who was traded to Houston, in case you hadn't heard. Watch as a new game begins at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., OKC. Tickets start at $120. Find them at www.ticketmaster.com.