Russell Westbrook’s first 2019-20 game in Oklahoma City has been set

The most popular ticket in Oklahoma City this upcoming season will undoubtedly be Russell Westbrook’s return to Chesapeake Bay Arena. As Thunder fans well know, the former face of Oklahoma City’s NBA franchise was dealt to the Houston Rockets to play with former Thunder teammate James Harden soon after ex-Thunder wing Paul George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers to join up with Kawhi Leonard.

While George’s return game may promote an increase in foot-traffic and viewership, it will pale in comparison to Westbrook’s visit — which won’t be until the 2020 portion of next season’s schedule.

Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting the Thunder will host Westbrook, Harden and the Rockets for the first time next season on January 9.

Sources: Notable superstar return games on 2019-20 NBA schedule:

Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard at Toronto: Dec. 11
Lakers‘ Anthony Davis at New Orleans: Nov. 27
Nets‘ Kyrie Irving at Boston: Nov. 27
Rockets’ Russell Westbrook at Oklahoma City: Jan. 9.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2019

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also reported the slate of NBA games for Christmas Day. To no one’s surprise, given their current state, the Thunder are not among the teams included. Though, Westbrook and Harden will play. The Rockets will spend the holiday in the Bay Area and face the Golden State Warriors.

Another Christmas showcase game: The Rockets will play the Warriors in San Francisco, sources told ESPN. https://t.co/CkP0jT29DK

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) August 2, 2019