OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Game 4 Preview

It is all on the line on Sunday inside Ball Arena. The Denver Nuggets have more than done their job as the underdog in this series, stealing one in Oklahoma City before beating the Thunder in Game 3 to take control of this series.

The OKC Thunder are taking on the Denver Nuggets for a swing Game 4. Despite the vibes around Bricktown, the reality is that if the Thunder grabs this game in the Mile High City, things swing back in its favor with a pivotal home game on deck Tuesday in Game 5.

However, the anxiousness is warranted as a loss all but cements a disappointing ending to a special season for the Thunder.

OKC Thunder, Denver Nugget — May 9, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) battle for position on the court in the second half during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 6.5-point favorites against the Denver Nuggets, and the total over/under is 227.5 points according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have defended Nikola Jokic exceptionally well in this series, but you can not keep this all-time great down for long. Two straight games of physical defense from the Thunder have led to a pair of lackluster (by Jokic's absurd standard) games. Still, OKC was only able to go 1-1 in that stretch. Can the OKC Thunder find a way to continue this physical play style and limit Jokic as best they can?

Oklahoma City has to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get going. The superstar and soon-to-be-named MVP needs a stellar Game 4 to help his team earn a much-needed win. This has to be an efficient, aggressive, but in-control game from the Thunder's leader.

Jalen Williams had the best game of his playoff career on Friday. How he parleys that success will determine the future of this Thunder season. The Oklahoma City swingman has been able to put together a wildly successful playoff run, a trend that must continue with him getting help from his teammate.

The Thunder outright have to shoot the ball at a high clip from beyond the arc. They have yet to do so in this environment (a road playoff game), but it is required for the team to reach its goals, not just win this game.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2) vs. Denver Nuggets (2-1)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

Nikola Topic –– Knee: OUT

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

DaRon Holmes –– Achilles: OUT

Check out later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, May 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM CT

LOCATION:

Ball Arena - Denver, CO

TV/RADIO:

TNT, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

The Oklahoma City Thunder must win Game 4 in Denver to have a legit shot at winning this series. This is a high-pressure game on the road for a team that has not shot the ball well away from the Paycom Center. This trend has to change for the OKC Thunder.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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