OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The surging Oklahoma City Thunder, owners of the NBA’s best record, host the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Monday night at Paycom Center in a matchup of teams on opposite trajectories. The Thunder (27-5) enter having won 10 of their last 12 games, including a dominant 129-104 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. Chet Holmgren led the way with 29 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, continuing an All-Star caliber season. Oklahoma City’s potent offense, anchored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (27 points Sunday) and a deep supporting cast, averages a league-best 124.3 points per game. They face a Hawks team (15-18) mired in a difficult stretch, having lost seven of its last eight games. Atlanta is coming off a heartbreaking 128-125 home loss to New York on Saturday, its third consecutive defeat. Despite the losses, forward Onyeka Okongwu has been a bright spot, posting a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds in that contest. Over his last 10 games, Okongwu is averaging 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds. Defense remains a glaring issue for Atlanta, which has allowed 126.8 points per game during its 1-7 skid. That includes a 152-150 double-overtime loss to Chicago and a 142-115 defeat in Detroit. Slowing Oklahoma City’s league-leading offense presents a monumental challenge. The Thunder won the season’s first meeting, 117-100 in Atlanta on Oct. 25. Oklahoma City has won four straight in the series overall. For the Hawks, the game opens a tough two-game trip before returning home. The Thunder, concluding a three-game homestand, will look to maintain their commanding position atop the Western Conference standings. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CST.