NBA Christmas Showdown Features Top-West Clash in Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — A marquee Christmas Day matchup awaits at Paycom Center as the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder host the surging San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. The Thunder (26-3), boasting the NBA’s best record, seek to avenge one of their few losses this season. The Spurs (21-8) handed Oklahoma City a 111-109 defeat on Dec. 13 in a game that previewed this holiday spectacle. The teams also met this past Tuesday, but no result from that contest was provided. All eyes will be on a scintillating point guard duel. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters on a dominant run, averaging 32.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists over his last 10 games. He posted a near triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a win over Memphis on Monday. San Antonio counters with De’Aaron Fox, who keyed the Spurs’ earlier victory over the Thunder with 22 points. Fox is averaging 20.4 points and 5.7 assists this season and is coming off a 27-point, seven-rebound, six-assist performance in a win at Washington on Sunday. The Spurs have won eight of their last 10, showcasing a high-powered offense. The Thunder, however, have been nearly flawless, with their only losses in the last month coming against San Antonio and Minnesota. Their average margin of victory in that span is a staggering 18.1 points. San Antonio’s recent success has been a collective effort. Alongside Fox, center Luke Kornet (20 points, 12 rebounds on Sunday) and rookie guard Stephon Castle (18 points, 11 assists) have provided crucial contributions. Oklahoma City’s supporting cast remains elite. Jalen Williams is averaging 24.3 points on 58% shooting over his last three games, while rookie Ajay Mitchell added 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench Monday. Oddsmakers favor the Thunder heavily at home, installing them as 9.5-point favorites. The total over/under is set at 227 points. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST and will be broadcast nationally. It is the first of two meetings between the teams in a three-week span, with a rematch scheduled in Oklahoma City on Jan. 13.