The Nuggets are, along with the Cavaliers, the only teams yet to make their debut this season. There could be no more demanding way to test them. After their impressive showing in San Antonio, OKC return home to face a Denver Nuggets side surrounded by uncertainty heading into the new season.
Thunder vs Nuggets date and time
Date: 22 October 2026, early hours of the 23rd European time.
Time: TThese are the start times for Thunder vs Nuggets depending on the time.
| The UK, Ireland, and Portugal | 02:30 |
| Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela | 21:30 |
| Mexico (central), USA (Texas and Chicago), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua | 19:30 |
| Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles) | 17:30 |
| Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay | 22:30 |
| Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama | 20:30 |
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City (Oklahoma).
Thunder vs Nuggets starting fives
Both teams are expected to field strong starting lineups.
| THUNDER | NUGGETS |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Jamal Murray |
| Cason Wallace | Chris Braun |
| Jalen Williams | Cam Johnson |
| Chet Holmgren | Aaron Gordon |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Nikola Jokic |
Thunder vs Nuggets: best bet
As two title contenders, Thunder and Nuggets are currently on different rungs. Denver could be in for a long night against OKC’s depth and suffocating defence. The Thunder keep flooring the accelerator and have everyone healthy for the first time in many months.
Latest Thunder news: injuries and form
- Out: Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber
A tremendous performance from the Thunder against their bogey team on opening night. OKC were once again the side that overwhelms with ten players capable of sustaining the pace for 48 minutes, and who allow no spells of relaxation because their defence punishes like no other.
Chet Holmgren regaining his confidence and, especially, Jalen Williams’ ability to create with the ball in his hands are fantastic news for a group that, physically hampered, came one game short of the NBA Finals. The interior pairing, now joined by Aday Mara after a strong preseason and debut, are weighty arguments for reducing the impact of Nikola Jokic.
Player to watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
With or without free throws, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most consistent scorer on the planet. His first game of the season was a technical exhibition against some of the best perimeter defenders in the world. His mid-range dancing bewilders nearly as much the opponent as the spectator. He wants his third consecutive MVP.
Latest Nuggets news: injuries and form
- Out: Julian Strawther
- Doubtful: Spencer Jones
The Nuggets have been suffering physically on both ends of the court for a couple of years now. And their summer has consisted of losing Peyton Watson and signing DeMar DeRozan. However much good the veteran does as the anchor of the second unit, they lose an above-average defender and athlete in exchange for one of the league’s worst defenders at 37 years old.
Even so, Denver still have a couple of certainties that will almost certainly place them among the top six teams in the West. Jamal Murray is coming off his best regular season and is still in his prime. Aaron Gordon is healthy for now. Cam Johnson and Chris Braun cannot play worse than last year. And Nikola Jokic…
Player to watch: Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic remains one of the best in the world. If not the best. Until the injury suffered in late December, his season was marked by absurd efficiency. Afterwards, he struggled to return to his usual form, given that he is not a player accustomed to long absences. If he returns to his normal state, we are talking about one of the most perfect offensive machines that has ever existed. He turns 32 this season and let’s hope we don’t end up lamenting how Denver continue to waste him.
Thunder vs Nuggets: head-to-head record
The Thunder have had the upper hand over the Nuggets in recent times. Last year it was 3-1 in OKC’s favour, and they lead 8-3 across the last three regular seasons. Not to mention that, in their 2025 meeting, the Thunder knocked Denver out in seven games in the Western Conference second round.
Thunder vs Nuggets predictions
Nikola Jokic double-double. Whether with rebounds (more likely) or assists (a little less likely), backing a double-double from the Serbian is a safe bet. Last year he recorded 55 in the 65 games he played. Jokic is 12 triple-doubles away from overtaking Russell Westbrook as the all-time leader and last year he recorded 34.
Oklahoma City Thunder handicap -7.5. Although most of their recent meetings have been decided by fewer than ten points, the current gap between the two sides should be large enough to see a comfortable OKC win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 points. SGA has cleared his points over/under tonight in seven of his last ten meetings with Denver.
Where to watch Thunder vs Nuggets
The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets can be watched in the UK via an NBA League Pass subscription and DAZN.