Preview: Nuggets Face Thunder in Key Western Conference Clash OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The surging Oklahoma City Thunder host the Denver Nuggets on Monday night at Paycom Center in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions. The Thunder (49-15) own the NBA’s second-best record and have won eight of their last 10 games, including a 127-121 victory over these same Nuggets on Feb. 27. Oklahoma City is coming off a gritty 103-100 road win against the New York Knicks last Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Nuggets (39-25) have lost three of their last four and are reeling from a 142-103 home defeat to the Knicks on Friday, their most lopsided loss of the season. All eyes will be on the marquee big-man matchup between Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. Jokic is averaging a near triple-double over his last 10 games, posting 28.9 points, 13.5 rebounds and 8.6 assists. However, the Nuggets are just 5-5 in that stretch. In the Feb. 27 meeting, Jokic recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists, but Holmgren countered with 15 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks for the Thunder. Holmgren has been a defensive anchor for Oklahoma City, averaging a double-double in February and providing consistent rim protection. The Thunder have won both meetings this season, also defeating Denver 121-111 on Feb. 1. Denver’s recent struggles highlight their inconsistency, mixing dominant wins with puzzling losses. Their defense, which allowed 142 points Friday, will be severely tested by Oklahoma City’s top-five offense. The Thunder continue to lean on MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 26 points in the recent win over New York. Oklahoma City’s balance and depth have been key during their ascent. For Denver, a victory on the road against the conference elite is crucial to stabilize their season and gain confidence before a difficult upcoming schedule. Slowing Holmgren and the Thunder’s perimeter attack will be their primary challenge. Monday’s contest is the final regular-season meeting between the teams this year. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.