OKC Thunder vs Nuggets Game 5 preview: 5 keys to the game; how to watch, stats and odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night for Game 5 of their series. Both teams are looking for win number three, which would put them one more away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

RELATED: Thunder regain momentum, confidence ahead of Game 5 in OKC

Ahead of Tuesday's matchup, take a look at how Oklahoma City looks to improve upon past performances and push for a win:

Thunder Keys to Game 5

1. Second-Unit Spark to Start the Fourth

The Thunder’s bench unit — led by Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Alex Caruso — flipped Game 4 with energy, defense, and timely shot-making. Continuing to trust that group to open the fourth quarter could be a game-changer again.

2. Shooting Resilience + Confidence

OKC doesn’t need to shoot lights out — just keep stepping into good looks. Daigneault emphasized “shooting resilience”: if it’s a quality shot, take it. No hesitation. Trust the process and expect the law of averages to work.

3. Keep Manufacturing Offense

When shots don’t fall, OKC has won by manufacturing the game: rebounding, defending, running in transition, and attacking the rim. That identity, not relying on the three, has kept them in every game. Stay physical, stay aggressive.

4. Efficient Defense

OKC has done a stellar job disrupting Jamal Murray, especially Cason Wallace and Lu Dort. Elite on-ball defenders the Thunder use forces Denver to work more off-ball screens and spacing. Make Denver with a shorter bench continue to work harder and harder for quality looks.

5. Keep the Zone Adjustments

The Thunder tweaked their zone attack in the second half and carved Denver up by getting behind the defense and forcing Jokic into tough decisions. Force Denver to try and counter those reads again. Denver didn't handle it well at all in 4th quarter.

THUNDER COVERAGE ⚡

🏀For more OKC Thunder Playoff coverage, CLICK HERE.

Full Injury Report:

Denver Nuggets

Holmes II, DaRon Out Injury/Illness - Right Achilles Tendon; Repair

Tyson, Hunter Out Injury/Illness - Right Ankle; Sprain

Oklahoma City Thunder

Topic, Nikola Out Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Surgery

Last Matchup

The Oklahoma City Thunder leaned on depth, defense, and clutch shooting to grind out a 92-87 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, evening the series at 2-2.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 25 points, including 9 in the fourth quarter, helping OKC rally from an 8-point deficit. Rookie Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins sparked an 11-0 run with three huge threes, flipping the momentum and giving the Thunder a lead they never gave back.

Head coach Mark Daigneault credited the team’s depth for delivering after Friday’s overtime loss: “We made an intentional effort to use our depth today... they brought great energy.”

Denver struggled late, with key mistakes including a costly five-second violation. Nikola Jokic finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds but managed just three assists to go with several turnovers as OKC clamped down.

Thunder vs. Nuggets Playoff History

2011 Western Conference First Round

1. Series Result: Thunder won 4-1
2. Overview:
3. This was the first and (as of 2025) only playoff meeting between the two franchises.
4. The Thunder, led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, were emerging as contenders.
5. Denver had just traded Carmelo Anthony and was relying on a deeper, balanced team with players like Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, and Nene.
6. Durant averaged 32.4 PPG in the series, including 41 points in the series-clinching Game 5.

Other Notes

1. Since 2011, the teams have not faced each other in the postseason, though they’ve had several intense regular-season matchups.
2. Both teams have experienced major roster changes and rebuilds since then, and as of 2025, both are again contenders in the West.

Looking Ahead

Western Conference Semi-Finals – Thunder vs. Nuggets

1. Game 5: Nuggets at Thunder (Tue. May 13, 8:30 )
2. Game 6: Thunder at Nuggets (Thurs. May 15 TBA)
3. Game 7: Nuggets at Thunder (Sun. May 18 TBA)* If necessary

Game Info

May 13, 2025, 8:30

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

Watch: TNT, Max, FanDuel Oklahoma

Odds

The Thunder are listed as 10.5-point favorites via FanDuel

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More Thunder Playoff coverage:

OKC Thunder Playoffs

WATCH: OKC Thunder make it back home after a grueling game 4 win in Denver

Thunder Show Grit and Depth in Weird Game 4 Win to Even Series with Nuggets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 25 points and leads Thunder past Denver 92-87 to tie series 2-2

WATCH: OKC Thunder's Wiggins, Daigneault discuss game 4 win

Watch: Mark Daigneault talks adjustments ahead of crucial Game 5