Bucks Edge Thunder in Close Contest
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Paycom Center
Milwaukee Bucks 128, Oklahoma City Thunder 126, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
Milwaukee Bucks beat Oklahoma City Thunder 128-126 at Paycom Center on October 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -520 (about 84% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Paycom Center, the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 128 to 126. This game was notable not only for its close finish but also for the implications it has for both teams moving forward in the season. The Bucks improved their record to 1-1, while the Thunder fell to 0-2, continuing their struggle to find form early in the season.
The Thunder entered the game with a home record of 0-2, looking to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start. In their last ten games, they boasted a record of 7-3, but recent performances had seen them on a three-game losing streak. They averaged 121.2 points scored while allowing 110.5 points per game, indicating their offensive capabilities, although their recent form had dipped, with an average of 114.2 points scored and 115.0 points allowed in their last five games.
Conversely, the Bucks, with an away record of 1-1, had struggled in their last ten games, recording only three wins against seven losses. They averaged 111.0 points scored and 117.6 points allowed over that span, and had lost their last two games leading into this matchup. Their recent form was concerning, with an average of 105.8 points scored and 116.6 points allowed in their last five games.
The matchup was particularly intriguing as it marked the first of a series between the two teams, with the next meeting scheduled for November 28. Historically, the teams had split their previous two meetings in the current season, with the Thunder winning 122-102 on January 22 and the Bucks winning 110-93 on February 13.
In terms of injuries, the Thunder were dealing with several key players listed as day-to-day, including Thomas Sorber (knee), Chet Holmgren (rest), Nikola Topic (back), Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), and Jaylin Williams (heel). The Bucks had Nate Ament (ankle) also listed as day-to-day, which could impact their rotation.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings had the Thunder as 12.5-point favorites with a total set at 218.5. The odds reflected the expectation that the Thunder would perform better at home, despite their struggles thus far this season.
The game conditions were typical for early October, with both teams looking to establish rhythm and chemistry as the season progresses. As the game unfolded, the tension built, especially in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a crucial running dunk by Brayden Burries that tied the game at 122, followed by a driving layup from Cormac Ryan that pushed the Bucks ahead. Burries continued to make his presence felt, contributing free throws that helped secure the lead for Milwaukee.
The final moments saw the Thunder fighting to regain control, but the Bucks held on to their lead, showcasing resilience and clutch performance under pressure. The Thunder's inability to convert in critical moments ultimately cost them the game, leaving them still searching for their first win of the season.
As both teams look ahead, the Bucks will aim to build on this victory, while the Thunder will need to address their recent struggles and find a way to turn their season around.
What we said beforehand
The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Paycom Center on October 8, 2026, in what marks the beginning of their series, with the second meeting scheduled for November 28. Both teams enter this matchup with a record of 0-1, having lost their respective opening games of the season. This fixture is particularly intriguing as both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing starts and establish momentum early in the season.
In their last five games, the Thunder have struggled, recording a 2-3 record. Their most recent game ended in a loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, where they fell 110-116. Prior to that, they faced the San Antonio Spurs multiple times, losing three out of four encounters. Over this stretch, the Thunder have averaged 114.2 points scored per game while allowing 115.0 points. Their overall home record in the last ten games stands at 7-3, but they are currently on a three-game losing streak.
The Bucks have had a tough time as well, winning just one of their last five games, with their most recent defeat coming against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they lost 97-116. They have averaged 105.8 points scored in their last five games, while allowing 116.6 points. The Bucks also have a poor away record, having lost all four of their last away games. Their recent form shows a stark contrast to their overall performance in the last ten games, where they hold a record of 3-7.
Historically, the Thunder and Bucks are evenly matched in their recent encounters, with a head-to-head record of 1-1 in the 2026 season. The Thunder won their first meeting on January 22 with a score of 122-102, while the Bucks claimed victory in the second meeting on February 13, winning 110-93.
In terms of injuries, the Thunder have several players listed as day-to-day. Thomas Sorber is dealing with a knee issue, Chet Holmgren is resting, Nikola Topic has a back concern, Isaiah Hartenstein is managing an ankle injury, and Jaylin Williams has a heel problem. The status of these players could significantly impact the Thunder's performance against the Bucks.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has set the spread at Oklahoma City -12.5, with a total of 218.5 points for the game. The odds for the Thunder to win outright are -520, while the Bucks are at +390.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Thunder respond to their recent struggles and whether they can leverage their home-court advantage. The performance of their key players, particularly those dealing with injuries, will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OKC -12.5 | 218.5 o -110 / u -110 | Milwaukee Bucks +390 · Oklahoma City Thunder -520 |
Injury report
- Thomas SorberDay-To-DayKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Chet HolmgrenDay-To-DayRestOklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola TopicDay-To-DayBackOklahoma City Thunder
- Isaiah HartensteinDay-To-DayAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
- Jaylin WilliamsDay-To-DayHeelOklahoma City Thunder
- Nate AmentDay-To-DayAnkleMilwaukee Bucks
Leaders
- PointsAday Mara22Oklahoma City Thunder
- AssistsJalen Williams6Oklahoma City Thunder
- ReboundsAday Mara6Oklahoma City Thunder
- PointsMyles Turner19Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsRyan Rollins7Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsKel'el Ware12Milwaukee Bucks
Recent form
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last 10: 7-3Streak L3121.2 scored · 110.5 allowed per game5-2 at home
- L110-116vs New Orleans PelicansOct 7
- 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
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2111 scored · 117.6 allowed per game0-4 away
- L97-116vs Minnesota TimberwolvesOct 6
- L106-126at Philadelphia 76ersApr 12
- W125-108vs Brooklyn NetsApr 11
- L111-137at Detroit PistonsApr 8
- L90-96at Brooklyn NetsApr 7
- W131-115vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 5
- L101-133vs Boston CelticsApr 4
- L113-119at Houston RocketsApr 2
- W123-99vs Dallas MavericksApr 1
- L113-127vs LA ClippersMar 29
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Chicago | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Cleveland | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Utah | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Denver | - | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Minnesota | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Portland | - | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Oklahoma City | 1 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Bucks | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-95 | 46-93 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 14-44 | 17-46 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 37 |
| Free throws | 26-35 | 17-26 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 59 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 20 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 31 |
| Assists | 31 | 34 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 7 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 54 | 54 |
| Fouls | 26 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 14 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter91-96Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter93-96Ousmane Dieng makes 1-foot layup (Kasparas Jakucionis assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-99Josh Dix makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-99Kasparas Jakucionis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-99Kasparas Jakucionis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-100Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter97-100Jericho Sims makes 1-foot dunk (Kasparas Jakucionis assists)
- 3rd Quarter97-102Bennett Stirtz makes 16-foot step back jumpshot (Andrew Holifield assists)
- 4th Quarter99-102Jericho Sims makes driving dunk (Ousmane Dieng assists)
- 4th Quarter101-102Kel'el Ware makes reverse layup (Kasparas Jakucionis assists)
- 4th Quarter101-105Bennett Stirtz makes 26-foot three point shot
- 4th Quarter103-105Kel'el Ware makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter103-108Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter103-110Brooks Barnhizer makes running dunk (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 4th Quarter103-113Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter104-113Kel'el Ware makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-113Pete Nance makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kam Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter110-113Pete Nance makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kam Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter111-113Brayden Burries makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-113Bogoljub Markovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-113Bogoljub Markovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-113Brayden Burries makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-113Brayden Burries makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter116-115Brooks Barnhizer makes 5-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter116-116Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-117Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-118Anthony Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-118Brayden Burries makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-118Brayden Burries makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-121Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter120-121Brayden Burries makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter120-122Anthony Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-122Brayden Burries makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter124-122Cormac Ryan makes driving layup (Ousmane Dieng assists)
- 4th Quarter125-122Brayden Burries makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-122Brayden Burries makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-124Otega Oweh makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Brooks Barnhizer assists)
- 4th Quarter127-124Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-124Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-126Brooks Barnhizer makes tip shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Oklahoma City Thunder, below favours Milwaukee Bucks.
Venue
- Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Nate Cearley, Chelisa Painter, Karl Lane, CJ Washington, JD Ralls
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These two, other days
- Bucks Defeat Thunder 110-93 in Oklahoma CityFeb 12, 2026
- Thunder Defeat Bucks 122-102 in MilwaukeeJan 21, 2026
- Thunder Edge Bucks in Thrilling ContestOct 14, 2025