Haliburton Returns to OKC After Achilles Injury

Tyrese Haliburton is traveling to Oklahoma City for the first time since suffering a torn Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This marks his return to the Paycom Center, a place he avoided last season due to not being mentally ready. Haliburton is a full participant in practice as of Monday, though his playing status for Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder remains uncertain.

In other news, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander impressed in his preseason debut, notably playing an off-ball role. He demonstrated success with catch-and-shoot opportunities, aligning with his summer training. Rookie Aday Mara has been a standout performer, showcasing his improved conditioning and impact on both ends of the court. His significant minutes in recent games raise questions about managing his workload, especially with upcoming back-to-back games.