OKC Thunder vs Nuggets Game 6 preview: 5 keys to the game; how to watch, stats and odds

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for a pivotal Game 6 in Denver, the mission is clear: survive and advance. Here are 5 keys for the Thunder

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Needs to Set the Tone Earlier

SGA got cooking eventually in Game 5, but it took time. That slow start gave Denver control for much of the night. In Game 6, the Thunder need their MVP to be aggressive from the tip, especially if Jokic comes out firing again. Shai’s pace and poise dictate everything OKC does. The earlier he asserts himself, the better their odds.

2. The Thunder Must Keep Denver’s Role Players Quiet

Denver’s supporting cast usually thrives at home. Players like MPJ, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun are much more effective in Ball Arena. OKC did a solid job limiting their impact late in Game 5, they’ll need to do it again to avoid a Game 7. Closing out hard, disrupting rhythm, and keeping the crowd from igniting are all essential. Braun seemed to wilt in the moment in Game 5, while MPJ has been reduced to a roll player. The Thunder have to take advantage, especially in the 4th.

3. Win the Bench Battle

The Thunder’s bench Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams and Alex Caruso was a game-changer to start the fourth quarter of Game 5. Their ability to defend, move the ball, and shoot with poise gives OKC a major advantage in depth. In a closeout game, second-unit minutes can swing the outcome. Push Denver to the max with this being a win or go to Cancun situation for the Nuggets.

4. Break Down Zone

Denver has jammed up the paint at times, but when OKC drives decisively and flows into transition, they’re nearly unstoppable. In the second half of Game 5, Shai got to his spots and broke down zone coverages. Early aggression will be key, not forcing it, but reading what’s there and making the right play. Force Jokic into situations where he has trouble closing out on shooters. This was evident in the 4th on the JDub and SGA open looks at three.

5. Handle Denver’s Best Punch

As Shai said postgame: “We’ll probably get the best game out of them.” The Nuggets are the defending champs, backs against the wall, on their home court. The Thunder must match that urgency from the opening tip. Don’t expect momentum from Game 5 to carry over this will be a brand new battle. In a closeout game on the road, mental toughness and execution under pressure become the difference.

Breaking this afternoon

Jamal Murray listed as questionable (illness) for Game 6 as Nuggets try to extend series vs. Thunder

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

Murray, Jamal Questionable Injury/Illness - Illness; Illness

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

Oklahoma City Thunder

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

Last Matchup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Denver Nuggets 112-105 on Tuesday, giving OKC a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Despite Nikola Jokic’s 44-point, 15-rebound effort, the Thunder rallied late, with Gilgeous-Alexander hitting key shots and six OKC players scoring in double figures. Lu Dort, scoreless through three quarters, nailed three clutch threes in the fourth, and Jalen Williams’ triple with 1:18 left gave OKC the lead for good.

Jokic went 17-for-25 from the field, and Jamal Murray added 28 points on 10-of-27 shooting. Denver led by 11 in the second quarter and took an 86-78 lead into the fourth, but couldn’t hold on.

“We executed as well as we have all postseason down the stretch,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.

Game 6 is Thursday in Denver.

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 7: Nuggets at Thunder (Sun. May 18, 2:30) * If necessary

Game Info

May 15, 2025, 7:30

Ball Arena, Denver

Watch: ESPN, FanDuel Oklahoma

Odds

The Thunder are listed as 4.5-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