The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets square off tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Fatigue could be a factor tonight. The Thunder, the West’s top seed at 68–14, come into the series well-rested after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are coming off a grueling seven-game series against the LA Clippers, capped by a dominant 120–101 win in Game 7.
This series features a showdown between two MVP candidates. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s scoring leader at 32.7 points per game on 52% shooting, has been the engine behind the Thunder’s remarkable season.
On the other side, Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP, averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game and remains one of the most dominant big men in the league.
For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have been crucial. Williams averaged 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the first round, while Holmgren added 18.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
Denver will lean on Jamal Murray, who averaged 22.9 points and 5.9 assists in the playoffs, and Aaron Gordon, who contributed 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, to provide support for Jokić.
Expect the Thunder to win tonight, with rest and depth being decisive factors. But the Nuggets are no pushover. This series won’t be a sweep for OKC, but they’ll take it in six.
How to Watch Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tonight’s Nuggets-Thunder game tips off just after 9:30 PM Eastern. The game airs live on TNT and streams on the TNT website and app as well as Max.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Date and Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, 9:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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