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NBA · Final

Thunder Defeat Nuggets in Opening Game of Season

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets0-1
84
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder2-0
96

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Paycom Center

Quick answers

Who won Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

Oklahoma City Thunder beat Denver Nuggets 96-84 at Paycom Center on October 22, 2026.

Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a solid victory against the Denver Nuggets, winning 96-84 at the Paycom Center. This matchup marked the start of the NBA season, and the Thunder now lead the season series 1-0 against the Nuggets. The Thunder's strong home record of 2-0 this season continues to bolster their confidence as they look to build on their recent success.

Oklahoma City has been in impressive form, boasting a record of 8-2 over their last ten games, with a current winning streak of one. They have averaged 121.8 points scored per game while allowing 109.3 points. In their last five games, they have a record of 3-2, with an average of 115.4 points scored and 112.6 points allowed. The Thunder have also performed well at home, with a 5-1 record in their last six games at the Paycom Center.

In contrast, the Denver Nuggets are looking to bounce back after starting the season with an away record of 0-1. They have been on a remarkable run, winning ten consecutive games before this matchup, with an average of 131.2 points scored and 120.7 points allowed in their last ten games. However, they struggled to maintain that momentum against the Thunder. Their last five games show a perfect record of 5-0, averaging 132.8 points scored and 122.0 points allowed. The Nuggets have also been strong on the road, holding a 3-0 record away from home prior to this game.

The injury situation for both teams played a role in the game. The Thunder were without Nikola Topic (back), Thomas Sorber (knee), and Otega Oweh (Achilles), all of whom were listed as out. The Nuggets had Cameron Johnson (ankle) listed as day-to-day, while Spencer Jones (hamstring) and Julian Strawther (knee) were both out.

The betting lines from DraftKings reflected the Thunder's strong position, with Oklahoma City favored by 7.5 points. The total for the game was set at 236.5, with the odds for the over at -108.0 and the under at -112.0. The moneyline showed Oklahoma City at -340.0 and Denver at 270.0, indicating a clear expectation of a Thunder victory.

The game itself saw a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Thunder's offensive capabilities. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a key player for Oklahoma City, making crucial shots in the fourth quarter, including a 27-foot three-point jumper that extended their lead. The Thunder maintained control throughout the game, with their defense limiting the Nuggets to only 84 points.

As the game progressed, the Thunder's ability to capitalize on their home advantage was evident. Despite the Nuggets' previous success, they were unable to find their rhythm in this matchup. The Thunder's defense was effective in containing Denver's scoring, particularly in the second half, where they held the Nuggets to just 38 points.

Overall, this game showcased the Thunder's potential as they aim to continue their winning ways while the Nuggets will need to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward. With the season still in its early stages, both teams have plenty of opportunities to adjust and improve.

What we said beforehand

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on October 23, 2026, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup as both teams look to establish their early season form. The Thunder come into this game with a home record of 1-0, while the Nuggets are yet to play their first game of the season. The Thunder are currently favored by DraftKings with a spread of -8.5 and a total set at 236.5.

Oklahoma City has shown some resilience in their recent games, winning their last match against the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 116-104. Prior to that, they had a mixed bag of results, including a narrow overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers and losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. Their recent form shows a record of 3-2 in their last five games, averaging 115.4 points scored and allowing 112.6 points per game. At home, the Thunder have been strong, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, with an average of 121.8 points scored and 109.3 points allowed.

In contrast, the Denver Nuggets enter this game with a perfect 10-0 record in their last ten away games, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. They recently secured a significant victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 121-106. The Nuggets also have a solid average of 132.8 points scored and 122.0 points allowed in their last five games, indicating their offensive prowess.

Historically, the Thunder have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Nuggets, holding a 3-1 record in their last four encounters. However, the Nuggets won their last face-off on April 11, 2026, with a decisive score of 127-107. This history adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming game, as both teams will be looking to assert their dominance.

In terms of injuries, the Thunder will be missing Nikola Topic (back), Thomas Sorber (knee), and Otega Oweh (Achilles), which could impact their depth and overall performance. The Nuggets will also be without Spencer Jones (hamstring) and Julian Strawther (knee), which may affect their rotation.

The game will take place under the lights of the Paycom Center, where the Thunder have been particularly effective. Fans can expect to see standout performances from Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 32.0 points per game, and Ajay Mitchell, who has been facilitating well with an average of 6.0 assists. Chet Holmgren also contributes significantly with 7.0 rebounds per game.

As the game approaches, it will be interesting to see how both teams adapt to the absence of key players and how they leverage their strengths. The Thunder will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while the Nuggets will look to continue their winning ways on the road.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsOKC -7.5 236.5 o -108 / u -112 Denver Nuggets +270 · Oklahoma City Thunder -340

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Nikola TopicOutBackOklahoma City Thunder
  • Thomas SorberOutKneeOklahoma City Thunder
  • Otega OwehOutAchillesOklahoma City Thunder
  • Cameron JohnsonDay-To-DayAnkleDenver Nuggets
  • Spencer JonesOutHamstringDenver Nuggets
  • Julian StrawtherOutKneeDenver Nuggets

Leaders

  • PointsJalen Williams21Oklahoma City Thunder
  • AssistsAlex Caruso5Oklahoma City Thunder
  • ReboundsChet Holmgren17Oklahoma City Thunder
  • PointsAaron Gordon20Denver Nuggets
  • AssistsNikola Jokic5Denver Nuggets
  • ReboundsTrevon Brazile12Denver Nuggets

Recent form

Oklahoma City Thunder

Last 10: 8-2Streak W1121.8 scored · 109.3 allowed per game5-1 at home

  • W116-104at San Antonio SpursOct 21
  • L103-135vs Phoenix SunsApr 13
  • L107-127at Denver NuggetsApr 11
  • W128-110at LA ClippersApr 9
  • W123-87at Los Angeles LakersApr 8
  • W146-111vs Utah JazzApr 5
  • W139-96vs Los Angeles LakersApr 3
  • W114-110vs Detroit PistonsMar 31
  • W111-100vs New York KnicksMar 29
  • W131-113vs Chicago BullsMar 28

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 10-0Streak W10131.2 scored · 120.7 allowed per game3-0 away

  • W128-118at San Antonio SpursApr 13
  • W127-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 11
  • W136-119vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 9
  • W137-132vs Portland Trail BlazersApr 7
  • W136-134vs San Antonio SpursApr 4
  • W130-117at Utah JazzApr 2
  • W116-93vs Golden State WarriorsMar 30
  • W135-129vs Utah JazzMar 28
  • W142-135vs Dallas MavericksMar 26
  • W125-123at Phoenix SunsMar 25

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Oklahoma City-0W21.0002
Minnesota0.50W11.0001
Portland0.50W11.0001
Denver1.51L1.0000
Utah1.51L1.0000

Box score

StatDenver NuggetsOklahoma City Thunder
Field goals31-8236-95
Field goal %3838
Three-pointers8-3011-43
Three-point %2726
Free throws14-2213-14
Free throw %6493
Rebounds5346
Offensive rebounds1916
Defensive rebounds3430
Assists1722
Steals712
Blocks29
Turnovers2212
Team turnovers00
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2112
Fast-break points210
Points in the paint3646
Fouls2322
Largest lead917
Lead changes22
Time in front6233

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter51-50Isaiah Hartenstein makes 1-foot layup (Jalen Williams assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter53-50Nikola Jokic makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
  3. 3rd Quarter56-50Aaron Gordon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter56-52Chet Holmgren makes dunk
  5. 3rd Quarter58-52Aaron Gordon makes two point shot (Jamal Murray assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter58-55Cason Wallace makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Williams assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter60-55Nikola Jokic makes 1-foot running dunk (Alpha Diallo assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter60-56Jalen Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  9. 3rd Quarter60-58Jalen Williams makes 1-foot dunk (Cason Wallace assists)
  10. 3rd Quarter60-60Ajay Mitchell makes driving layup
  11. 3rd Quarter62-60Trevon Brazile makes 1-foot reverse layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
  12. 3rd Quarter62-62Chet Holmgren makes dunk (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
  13. 3rd Quarter62-64Ajay Mitchell makes running layup
  14. 3rd Quarter62-67Alex Caruso makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylin Williams assists)
  15. 3rd Quarter64-67DeMar DeRozan makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
  16. 3rd Quarter64-70Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 25-foot three pointer
  17. 4th Quarter64-72Jalen Williams makes 1-foot running dunk (Alex Caruso assists)
  18. 4th Quarter66-72Alpha Diallo makes layup (Marvin Bagley III assists)
  19. 4th Quarter66-74Jalen Williams makes 1-foot dunk (Alex Caruso assists)
  20. 4th Quarter68-74DeMar DeRozan makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Alpha Diallo assists)
  21. 4th Quarter68-75Jared McCain makes free throw 1 of 2
  22. 4th Quarter68-76Jared McCain makes free throw 2 of 2
  23. 4th Quarter69-76DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter69-78Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
  25. 4th Quarter69-81Cason Wallace makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Hartenstein assists)
  26. 4th Quarter71-81DeMar DeRozan makes 19-foot jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
  27. 4th Quarter73-81DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter72-84Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 25-foot fade away jump shot
  29. 4th Quarter73-84Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter73-85Jalen Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter73-86Jalen Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter73-88Chet Holmgren makes layup
  33. 4th Quarter74-88Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter74-90Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
  35. 4th Quarter76-90Christian Braun makes tip shot
  36. 4th Quarter76-93Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 27-foot three point jumper (Alex Caruso assists)
  37. 4th Quarter79-93DaRon Holmes II makes 29-foot three point jumper (Ryan Nembhard assists)
  38. 4th Quarter82-93Ryan Nembhard makes 25-foot three point jumper (DaRon Holmes II assists)
  39. 4th Quarter82-96Kenrich Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brooks Barnhizer assists)
  40. 4th Quarter84-96Ryan Nembhard makes layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Oklahoma City Thunder, below favours Denver Nuggets.

Venue

  • Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
  • Attendance18203
  • OfficialsZach Zarba, Sean Corbin, Robert Hussey

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.