OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets: Game Preview, Keys to the Game, Betting Odds

This has all the makings of one of the biggest regular season games inside the Paycom Center. It is a clash between two top three Western Conference squads. A tilt that feels like an MVP award is riding on between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A franchise icon in Russell Westbrook returning. A Nationally Televised affair with the entire NBA world watching. A chance to make a statement.

These two teams have already faced off twice this season, both in Denver, with the two sides splitting those contests. Now, they matchup at relative full strength for a unique back-to-back set inside the Paycom Center starting on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know about this matchup.

OKC Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Chet Holmgren, Nikola Joki — Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 7-point favorites against the Denver Nuggets, and the total over/under is 243 points, according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have to find ways to speed up the Denver Nuggets and force them into turnovers for a typically level-headed bunch. Those turnovers - however frequent they come - must lead to easy transition points for OKC.

A lot rides on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in this contest as the Thunder's offense engine and in recent months, the Thunder have found ways to use that scoring gravity to get its complimentary pieces quality looks, if those falls the Thunder will find success in this matchup.

Nikola Jokic is putting up numbers that if they were attributed to Wilt Chamberlain people would cast off as make believe without coupling it with video evidence. How the Thunder elect to defend him will be key. History of this Thunder defense suggsts they will swarm Jokic but must be both disciplined in their closeouts once he sprays the ball around the floor and look for shot various luck from the Nuggets inconsistent off-ball players.

It feels like a certainty that Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander will have stellar nights, how many supporting cast members step up for each side will be huge in determining a winner of this game.

Oklahoma City has to find consistent offense when its superstar is off the floor and especially has to dominate the non-Jokic minutes. One way they can do that is with massive scoring games from Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (52-11) vs. Denver Nuggets (41-22)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein (Nasal Fracture) Available
Alex Ducas (GL) OUT
Ajay Mitchell (Toe) OUT
Nikola Topic (ACL) OUT

Denver Nuggets

Julian Strawther (Knee) OUT
Aaron Gordon (Ankle) Probable
DaRon Holmes II (Achilles) OUT

Check out later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

ABC, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a chance to make a statement against the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a shot at ending the MVP race. Ultimately, this is one of the most important regular season games in OKC to date.

The most interesting part? They get to do it all over again on Monday in the same venue.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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