It’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs on Tuesday night at Paycom Center.
This Western Conference semifinal matchup is all tied up at two games apiece after OKC’s 92-87 win Sunday in Denver.
Here what you need to know about Game 5 of the Thunder-Nuggets series:
Thunder vs Nuggets live score updates in Game 5 of NBA Playoffs
Date: Tuesday, May 13Time: 8:30 p.m. CTWhere: Paycom Center in OKC
The OKC vs Denver game starts at 8:30 p.m. CT Tuesday from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Where to watch Thunder vs Nuggets tonight in NBA Playoffs?TV: TNTLivestream: Sling TV (free trial), truTV and MaxRadio: WWLS 98.1 FM
The OKC vs Denver game will be broadcast on TNT. It can be streamed on Sling TV, truTV and Max.
What is biggest key for Thunder vs Nuggets to advance in NBA Playoffs?
Fresh legs must deliver: My key to the series before it started was the Thunder’s young legs. I’m sticking with that. OKC needs to push the tempo and be aggressive, feisty on defense and getting downhill on offense, because Denver looks a bit worn down to me. The Thunder is younger and deeper. Lean into those advantages as much as possible. —Jenni Carlson, Columnist
Joel Lorenzi, Thunder beat writer: Through four games, Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.5 & 14.8 rebounds. He’s also logged more turnovers than assists, and is shooting 39.1% from the field and 21.4% from 3 — both his worst marks in any series during a lengthy career of postseasons. Jaylin Williams chalks it up to a great missing shots, and when asked about the coverages that’ve worked, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will act like he hit his head until the series finishes. OKC has simply had the adequate bodies and variations of looks. Continuing to make Jokic look like anyone else feels like a baseline for the series. —Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Who will win the 3-point battle?: OKC is shooting 32.3% from deep in this series. Lu Dort is down to 25%. Jalen Williams is down to 20.8%. Chet Holmgren is down to 20%. That only makes life more difficult for a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an elite driver who benefits from having good floor spacing. If Denver continues to take away the 3-point line, it’ll have a good chance of advancing. If OKC dials in from deep, it’ll be in the driver’s seat. —Justin Martinez, Staff writer
Which No. 2 option rises up?: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has outplayed Nikola Jokic this series, but the two MVP candidates more or less balance each other out. I’m curious which of Jalen Williams and Jamal Murray can maybe steal one of these final games. Murray has done it before. Williams hasn’t. Both have been inconsistent in the series. —Joe Mussatto, Columnist
Thunder vs. Nuggets playoff schedule
All times are Central Time (CT)
Odds via BetMGM as of Monday, May 12
Odds: Thunder by 9.5
Over/under: 220.5
Moneyline: OKC -500 | Denver +375
Justin Martinez: OKC 115, Denver 105
After struggling to close out games earlier in the series, OKC delivered down the stretch of Game 4 to escape with a 92-87 road win. It also showcased its depth with strong contributions from Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso. And its defense continued to cause problems for Nikola Jokic. Momentum is on the Thunder’s side as it returns home, where the rims have been much friendlier. OKC is shooting 36.6% from deep at home these playoffs compared to 26.2% on the road. These are all good signs for the Thunder, which I’m picking to win a pivotal Game 5.
Thunder vs. Nuggets highlights in Game 5 of Western Conference semifinals
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