The Denver Nuggets head to Paycom Center to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a regular-season game on Friday, February 27.
The Nuggets are coming off an impressive 103–84 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Despite Jamal Murray leaving the game early due to an illness, Nikola Jokić led the way with a dominant performance, and the Nuggets’ defense suffocated the Celtics throughout. Denver’s ability to control the glass and protect the paint proved decisive, but they now face a quick turnaround against the Western Conference leaders.
On the other hand, the Thunder are looking to bounce back after a 116–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Playing short-handed, Oklahoma City struggled to stop Detroit’s interior scoring. However, the energy in the building is high as the Thunder expect to welcome back their leading scorer and MVP candidate for this marquee matchup on national television.
Projected Starting Lineups For Nuggets vs. Thunder
Denver Nuggets
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SG: Christian Braun
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokić
Oklahoma City Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Alex Caruso
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Aaron Wiggins
- C: Chet Holmgren
What is the Head-to-Head Record of the Nuggets vs. Thunder?
Historically, this has been a very competitive rivalry. In the 2025-26 season, the Thunder hold a 1–0 lead after winning their only meeting so far, a 121–111 victory on February 1. Looking back to last year’s playoffs, the Thunder famously defeated the Nuggets in a grueling seven-game Western Conference Semifinals series.
What Are The Injury Updates For The Nuggets vs. Thunder Game?
Nuggets
- Jamal Murray (Questionable – Illness)
- Aaron Gordon (Out – Hamstring)
- Peyton Watson (Out – Hamstring)
- Spencer Jones (Questionable – Shoulder)
- Jalen Pickett (Questionable – Knee)
Thunder
- Jalen Williams (Out – Hamstring)
- Ajay Mitchell (Out – Abdomen)
- Branden Carlson (Out – Back)
What Are The Betting Odds For The Nuggets vs. Thunder Game?
- ATS Pick: Nuggets (+8.5)
- O/U Pick: Over (230.5)
- Score Prediction: Thunder 118 – Nuggets 114
*NBA Odds are subject to change.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Game Preview
The Nuggets rely heavily on Nikola Jokić, who leads the team in scoring and serves as the primary engine for their offense. They count on Michael Porter Jr. and Julian Strawther to provide outside shooting and spacing to punish double-teams. Denver’s ability to control the pace and execute in the half-court remains its biggest strength as it fights for a top seed in the West.
Meanwhile, the Thunder uses a high-octane attack led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite shot-creation and Chet Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor as a mobile big man. The team’s focus on transition points and defensive pressure often overwhelms opponents. Even with Jalen Williams sidelined, Oklahoma City’s “next man up” mentality has kept them at the top of the conference.
The Thunder’s home-court advantage at Paycom Center gives them a massive edge, but the Nuggets’ championship pedigree and the MVP-level play of Jokić could make it a thrilling clash.
