OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The surging Oklahoma City Thunder, owners of the NBA’s second-best record, will host the struggling Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night at Paycom Center in a stark contrast of fortunes. The Thunder (41-13) enter the contest having won seven of their last 10 games, including a 119-110 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. They sit atop the Western Conference standings and have been dominant at home. Milwaukee (21-30), meanwhile, is 11th in the Eastern Conference and coming off a 118-99 loss in Orlando on Monday. This matchup is a rematch of a Jan. 21 meeting in Milwaukee, which Oklahoma City won decisively, 122-102. In that game, Thunder center Chet Holmgren recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Holmgren remains a focal point for Oklahoma City. The third-year big man is averaging a double-double over his last 10 contests, including a 28-point, eight-rebound performance against Cleveland on Jan. 19 and a 20-point, 14-rebound, five-block outing against New Orleans on Jan. 27. His rim protection and floor-spacing are central to the Thunder’s elite two-way efficiency. The Bucks will look to guard Kevin Porter to spark an upset. Porter is coming off a 28-point, seven-assist effort in the loss to Orlando and has been a bright spot during a difficult season. Over his last four active games, he is averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists. His ability to penetrate and create will be tested by Oklahoma City’s lengthy perimeter defense. Milwaukee’s recent form has been inconsistent, mixing high-scoring wins over Indiana and New Orleans with several lopsided defeats. Their defense, which allowed 141 points in a win over the Pelicans and 118 in the loss to the Magic, will face a severe challenge against the Thunder’s top-five offense. Oklahoma City has shown few weaknesses, though recent losses to Houston and Indiana suggest vulnerability when their shooting cools. The Thunder’s deep roster, featuring contributors like Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace alongside Holmgren, presents a multifaceted problem for the Bucks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. Following this game, the Thunder will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, while the Bucks continue a road trip in New Orleans on Feb. 20.