Preview: Raptors Face Thunder in Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The surging Oklahoma City Thunder, owners of the NBA’s best record, host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at Paycom Center in a cross-conference matchup. The Thunder (37-8) enter on a dominant run, winning 10 of their last 12 games. Their most recent outing was a commanding 122-102 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. League MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered that win with 40 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, continuing an elite stretch where he has averaged 32.4 points and 6.5 assists over his last 10 games. The Raptors (27-19) arrive after a successful 3-2 Western road trip, capped by a 122-109 win in Sacramento on Wednesday. All-Star forward Scottie Barnes has been instrumental, averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his last 10 contests. In the win over the Kings, Barnes posted 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, supported by 22 points from Sandro Mamukelashvili and 18 points from Immanuel Quickley. This game presents a stark contrast in momentum and standings. Oklahoma City has established itself as a championship contender, boasting both a high-powered offense and the league’s top-rated defense. Toronto, sitting in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, will need a near-perfect performance to challenge the Thunder on their home floor. The matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Barnes, two of the league’s premier two-way talents, will be central to the outcome. Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive discipline will test a Raptors team that has shown offensive firepower but inconsistency against the league’s elite. Following this game, the Thunder host New Orleans on Tuesday. The Raptors travel home to face New York on Wednesday. These teams will meet again in Toronto on Feb. 24.