OKLAHOMA CITY –

The Oklahoma City Thunder return to Paycom Center Monday night for one of the biggest games of their current homestand when Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets visit Oklahoma City.

The defending NBA champions enter the matchup riding a five-game winning streak and holding a 50–15 record after a 104–97 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Oklahoma City has been fueled by late-game heroics from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who hit clutch shots in consecutive games this week, including a dagger at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks and another late three against Golden State.

Gilgeous-Alexander also has a chance to reach a historic milestone. If the Thunder star scores 20 points or more Monday night, he will tie Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 126 consecutive 20-point games.

“On that play, Draymond was forcing me my right,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his late shot against the Warriors. “So I knew I’d be able to get that shot out regardless. Step into a confidence shot. Whether I made it or missed it, I was going to shoot it the same way. Luckily this time it went in.”

Thunder vs. Nuggets rivalry heating up

Monday’s game is the first meeting between Oklahoma City and Denver since Feb. 27, when the Thunder defeated the Nuggets 127–121 in overtime to begin their current winning streak.

That matchup featured plenty of drama. Gilgeous-Alexander was called for an early technical foul, Denver’s bench received a technical in the third quarter, and Luguentz Dort was ejected late in the game after a hard foul on Jokic that sparked a brief on-court scuffle.

The teams have developed a heated rivalry after meeting in a seven-game Western Conference semifinal series last postseason, and Monday’s matchup could provide another playoff-style atmosphere.

ESPN NBA reporter Anthony Slater believes Oklahoma City’s late-game execution continues to separate the Thunder.

“They’re playing hard,” Slater said. “But it was actually a pretty gritty win by the Thunder to pull it out late. Just Shai is the closer. That’s the difference between the two teams.”

Playoff positioning taking shape

While Oklahoma City currently sits near the top of the Western Conference standings, Slater said securing the No. 1 seed isn’t necessarily the most important goal heading toward the postseason.

“No, I’ve seen teams win it from the third seed,” Slater said. “You want home court, but it’s not necessarily the path you need.”

The Thunder have also been cautious managing injuries late in the season.

“You’ve got to pace yourself, especially as defending champs when you play all the way till June and then come right back in October,” Slater said.

Jalen Williams continues to work back from a hamstring strain, while Oklahoma City has dealt with multiple rotation injuries in recent weeks.

Injury report

Thunder

Alex Caruso — Out (left hip contusion)Isaiah Hartenstein — Out (left calf contusion)Jalen Williams — Out (right hamstring strain)Chet Holmgren — Questionable (flu)

Nuggets

Jamal Murray — Questionable (left ankle sprain)Peyton Watson — Out (right hamstring strain)

Denver has battled injuries as well. Murray rolled his ankle in a recent loss to the Knicks, while the Nuggets have struggled to keep their roster fully healthy throughout the season.

Big week ahead for OKC

Monday’s matchup begins a challenging stretch for the Thunder. Oklahoma City will host the Boston Celtics on Thursday before finishing the homestand Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals.

How/Where to watch Thunder vs. Nuggets

Tipoff: 6:30 p.m. CTLocation: Paycom Center TV: Peacock / FanDuel Sports Network