Preview: Nuggets at Thunder, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The Denver Nuggets, seeking to stabilize after a recent skid, face a formidable road test against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night at Paycom Center. The Thunder (45-14) enter with the NBA’s best record and have won eight of their last 10 games, including a 121-111 home victory over these Nuggets just four weeks ago on Feb. 1. Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace starred in that win, scoring 27 points. He remains a key player to watch, coming off a 27-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist performance in Tuesday’s win at Toronto. Denver (36-22) has lost three of its last four, including a 128-117 defeat at Golden State last Sunday. Despite the losses, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic continues to post historic numbers. In that loss to the Warriors, Jokic recorded 35 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging a triple-double of 26.1 points, 14.5 rebounds and 9.6 assists. The Nuggets’ recent inconsistency contrasts sharply with Oklahoma City’s steady dominance. Denver’s 54-point rout of Portland on Feb. 20 is bookended by narrow losses and defensive lapses. Containing the Thunder’s balanced attack, which features Wallace and strong supporting performances from players like Isaiah Joe, will be critical. For Oklahoma City, this begins a crucial stretch against top-tier competition. After hosting Denver, the Thunder face a gauntlet that includes Dallas, Boston and Minnesota in the coming weeks. Protecting home court is paramount. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are in a tight battle for playoff positioning and need a signature road win. Jokic’s brilliance gives them a chance against any opponent, but overcoming the league’s top team in their building will require a complete performance. The teams will meet again in Oklahoma City on March 9. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.