OKC Thunder: Schedule gives fans a consolation prize

Steven Adams tries to block Damian Lillard's shot in Game 3 of the Thunder-Blazer playoff series last April. (Photo by Nate Billings)The Thunder will be a team with less star power than ever before in the 2019-20 season. And thus far less national television exposure.

That’s not good for the fan base. But it’s not all bad, either.

The full NBA schedule was released Monday, and the effects for the Thunder are several.

Including this consolation prize during this rebuilding Thunder phrase: More weekend games and fewer late-night games. With Russell Westbrook and a sidekick superstar in 10 of the last 11 years, the Thunder was a staple of TNT’s Thursday night doubleheader. This season, the…