Thunder Game Day: OKC Takes on the Defending Champions in Home Opener

After an exciting first two games, the Thunder heads home for a matchup with the Nuggets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is coming off of a thrilling comeback in Cleveland and will look to keep that going in their home opener.

To start a six-game homestand, the Thunder will face the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic will go against rookie Chet Holmgren in the Thunder big man’s toughest matchup yet.

In a matchup of two of the only undefeated teams in the league, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will attempt to keep his hot start to the season going. Averaging 32.5 points and posting double-doubles in his first two games, Gilgeous-Alexander will try to get Oklahoma City a win in its home opener for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Jamal Murray and Luguentz Dort :: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 2.5-point underdogs to the Nuggets, and the total over/under is 229.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Gilgeous-Alexander will be going against fellow Canadian Jamal Murray in the backcourt. Murray has scored 21 and 22 points in his first two games and will play a vital role in Denver’s chances of winning.

The Thunder’s defense in the paint will likely be a deciding factor against the Nuggets. Although Holmgren probably will not have another seven-block performance, if he can slow Jokic and force him into a high turnover game like he had in Memphis, the Thunder should be in a good position.

Oklahoma City’s shooting will be a key factor against Denver as it has shot 49.2% from 3-point range through two games. While Oklahoma City’s attempts from outside dropped dramatically in its second game, its late-game shooting played a critical part in the win in Cleveland.

After Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams had sub-par performances last game, the Thunder needs them to bounce back to beat the Nuggets. Considering the Nuggets’ experience, particularly in the starting lineup, the Thunder will not be able to afford another 5-of-22 combined shooting game from those two players.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-0) vs. Denver Nuggets (2-0)

INJURIES:

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

WHEN:

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at 2:30 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

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

FINAL WORD:

A win against the Nuggets would be a statement for the Thunder, as they would move to 3-0 and show they can compete against the league’s best. Regardless of the result, the Thunder will have to turn around and take advantage of their home court in their first back-to-back of the season.

The Thunder will host the Detroit Pistons on Monday night at home in their first regular season matchup after the teams played twice in the preseason.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.