The Oklahoma City Thunder will take the floor at Paycom Center on Friday night for their final tune-up before the 2025–26 regular season, hosting the Denver Nuggets at 7 p.m.
The game marks the end of a six-game preseason run for the defending NBA champions, who enter at 3–2 after Tuesday’s 116–112 road win over Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets come in at 3–1, riding a three-game winning streak with victories over the Raptors, Clippers, and Bulls including a 124–117 win over Chicago earlier this week.
When and Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Oct. 17
Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
Site: Paycom Center Oklahoma City, OK
TV: KSBI-52 (OKC)
Setting the Stage
It’s been just five months since Oklahoma City eliminated Denver in a dramatic seven-game second-round series a victory that launched the Thunder toward the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy.
This time, the stakes are far different. Both teams are focused on rotation health and rhythm, with many of the regular starters unlikely to log heavy minutes.
Remember the Matchup
The last time these teams met inside Paycom Center, it ended in celebration the Thunder advancing to the Western Conference Finals with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way and Jokić watching from the bench as confetti fell.
Final Tune-Up
For Oklahoma City, this is the last preseason game for the year. The Thunder have yet to play Chet Holmgren so far in the preseason, but he will make his debut tonight for OKC.