LAS VEGAS –

The Oklahoma City Thunder are two wins away from another NBA Cup title appearance as they prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Oklahoma City has matched the best 25-game start in NBA history at 24-1, joining the 2015–16 Golden State State Warriors. The Thunder have done it in dominant fashion, riding a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, with victories coming by an average of nearly 21 points.

The Thunder have been just as impressive in NBA Cup play, winning five straight games by an average of 24.8 points, including Wednesday’s emphatic 138-89 win over the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals.

Motivation From Last Season

Oklahoma City reached the NBA Cup championship game a season ago before falling to the Milwaukee Bucks. That experience has only added fuel this time around.

“We should be in a good position,” reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’re doing a lot better than we did last year. We’ll see how it goes and try to get two wins.”

Spurs Get Star Back

San Antonio enters the semifinals with momentum and the return of Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs’ star center is expected to play Saturday after missing 12 games with a calf strain. Head coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama will be on a minutes restriction but will be available.

“I feel great. I’m ready to go,” Wembanyama said during a media session in Las Vegas.

San Antonio went 9-3 without Wembanyama, including a 132-119 NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle posted a season-high 30 points and 10 rebounds in that win, while De’Aaron Fox added 20.

Defense Sets the Tone for OKC

The Thunder continue to set the standard defensively across the league. Oklahoma City ranks near the top of the NBA in steals and forced turnovers, creating offense through pressure and transition opportunities.

OKC is close to its healthiest point of the season and will have the bulk of its rotation available as it looks to slow San Antonio’s dynamic backcourt and the return of Wembanyama.

“There’s something on the line,” Thunder reserve Ajay Mitchell said. “It’s a great opportunity to come here, get better and try to go win it.”

What’s at Stake

A victory Saturday would send Oklahoma City to Tuesday’s NBA Cup championship game against either the New York Knicks or Orlando Magic. A trip to the final and the NBA Cup prize money is on the line.

Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins said the message in the locker room is simple.

“Let’s win,” Wiggins said. “Everybody wants the money. Whether they give it to family, buy something, or save it, everybody is locked in.”

Rookie Ajay Mitchell echoed that sentiment, noting the timing with the holidays approaching.

“Definitely some gifts for the family,” Mitchell said. “Christmas is around the corner, so making sure I take care of them. And then being smart with the rest.”

Where, When & How to Watch

Matchup: San Antonio Spurs (17-7) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-1)
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: Amazon Prime

Injury Report

San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama — Probable (Left calf strain)Harrison Ingram — Out (G League, Two-Way)Kyle Mangas — Out (G League, Two-Way)David Jones Garcia — Available

Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Joe — Out (Left knee contusion)