Western Conference powerhouses meet for the third time on Monday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center.
The Thunder (50–15, 1st West) have won 12 of 16 games since the beginning of February, a torrid stretch that includes a pair of wins over Denver — most recently a 127–121 overtime victory at home on Feb. 27, which kicked off a five-game heater. The Nuggets (39–25, 6th West) have gone just 6–9 over that span, an uncharacteristically rocky run punctuated by Friday’s 39-point thumping from the Knicks at home.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Denver Nuggets
- OUT: Peyton Watson (Hamstring), DaRon Holmes II (G League Assignment)
- QUESTIONABLE: Jamal Murray (Ankle)
Oklahoma City Thunder
- OUT: Isaiah Hartenstein (Calf), Jalen Williams (Hamstring), Thomas Sorber (ACL), Branden Carlson (Back)
- QUESTIONABLE: Chet Holmgren (Illness), Alex Caruso (Hip)
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The defending champs enter as a 6.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Denver sits as a +220 underdog. The game’s total is set at 232.5 points.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Preview
Denver Nuggets Preview
There’s been some turbulence in the Mile High City as the regular season enters its homestretch. The Nuggets are just 6–9 since the beginning of February, their league-best offense getting weighed down by porous defense. The team’s latest loss to the Knicks was a case in point, as New York piled up 142 points — shooting 58% from the field and 47% from three — en route to a 39-point blowout in front of a stunned Denver crowd.
The Nuggets need to course correct — quickly. But that’s easier said than done on the road against the defending champs. Compounding the issue, they may have to trudge into enemy territory without All-Star guard Jamal Murray, who’s listed as questionable with an ankle injury that he suffered against the Knicks.
Still, any team with Nikola Jokic is a formidable contender. The superstar center is averaging a 28-point triple-double while leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists. If Denver is reduced to a one-man band without Murray, it’s one that rivals a post-Beatles Paul McCartney.
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
For much of the season, Oklahoma City wasn’t competing against the rest of the NBA. It was challenging the 1995–96 Bulls and 2015–16 Warriors — threatening to become the greatest team in regular-season history.
While the Thunder can no longer lay claim to the league’s all-time record, they’ve resorted to dominating their contemporaries and remain the clear-cut favorites to repeat as champions. The franchise boasts the toughest defense in basketball, corresponding with the best net rating since… last season’s Thunder.
Oklahoma City has dealt with several injuries of late — most notably, Jalen Williams, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury since Feb. 11. Isaiah Hartenstein is also out for Monday’s contest with a calf issue, while Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso are both listed as questionable.
Still, the Thunder have held strong when facing key absences, bolstered by ludicrous depth behind reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With all four players sidelined Saturday against the Warriors, SGA dropped 27 points, five rebounds, and five assists to lift OKC to a 104–97 victory.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Pick, Best Bet
Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. The Nuggets hold a 9–2 record against the spread as an away underdog, and they should be able to keep things competitive if Murray suits up. But if the standout guard is inactive, expect Denver to drown against Oklahoma City’s superior depth and imposing home presence. For the sake of nailing down a pick, let’s roll with the latter scenario.
