Top-Seeded Thunder Host Nuggets in Key Western Conference Matchup

Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon are cleared to play as Denver faces Oklahoma City in a battle of MVP front-runners.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, holding the best record in the Western Conference at 52-11, host the Denver Nuggets, currently the No. 2 seed, in a matchup with playoff implications.
Denver's Nikola Jokic, dealing with left ankle inflammation, and Aaron Gordon, both listed as probable, have been cleared to play in this important game.
Jokic, who recently recorded a historic 30/20/20 stat line, is averaging 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists this season, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring at 32.8 points per game.
The Thunder's strong defense, ranked second in fewest points allowed, contrasts with Denver's higher-scoring but weaker defensive performance, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
This game also features the two leading MVP candidates, Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, as they aim to bolster their cases for the prestigious award.