Thunder Gameday: OKC Searches For Second-Straight Win Over Denver Nuggets

After knocking off the Denver Nuggets six games ago to further solidify itself as the Western Conference's No. 3 seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder once again prepares to face the same squad again looking for another win in a crucial road matchup.

Boasting a two-game win streak after knocking off both the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder is preparing for another strong test on the road against the Denver Nuggets.

Facing Nikola Jokic is never an easy task, and such will be the case Friday evening at Ball Arena, but the Thunder does have a leg up on its hosts: it's already won a matchup against them. 

Six games ago, both squads matched up in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder put together a well-rounded effort to knock off the Nuggets and secure another strong conference win. Right now, Oklahoma City sits at No. 3 in the Western Conference just one game behind the Nuggets, making the matchup that much more crucial for both sides.

Regardless of the result, Friday night should be graced with some entertaining hoops.

Here's what you need to know:

Dec 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shields Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half at Ball Arena / © Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enters the day as 3.5-point underdogs against the Nuggets, and the total over/under is 230.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Starting hot is a crucial part of winning any NBA game. Setting the tone positively can make or break a win, especially if an early cushion gets out of hand to the point of no return. For the Thunder, that starts with its starting unit. 

In its last outing against the Nuggets, each starter besides Josh Giddey notched double-digit points on at least four field goals. With as high powered as Denver is on offense, finding production from the first unit was a must, and that the Thunder did.

Keeping Jokic at bay will also be a big part of a potential win. That didn't end up being the case last time both teams met, as the center notched 24 points in a close-to triple-double performance, but it will certainly be of utmost importance this time around, especially with Denver prepared and ready for a Thunder team it just faced.

If Oklahoma City can start fast and find production from all over, it can certainly pull off a second straight win over the Nuggets — but that's up to them as soon as tipoff begins.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (20-9) vs. Denver Nuggets (23-10)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at 8 p.m. CST

LOCATION:

Ball Arena - Denver, CO

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

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Already having a win against the Nuggets is a huge boost for Oklahoma City's preparation. It knows it has the resources to win against one of the league's top teams and it also has seen Jokic and company in action. 

Winning won't be easy, but it will be doable. And that's what matters.

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