Thunder Look to Bounce Back Against Jokic and Nuggets

OKC faces Denver on the road as they aim to rebound from a blowout loss to the Timberwolves.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The OKC Thunder will take on the Denver Nuggets on the road at 8:30 p.m. CST on Sunday. The Thunder are coming off a 123-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, while the Nuggets secured a 122-109 home win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The Thunder continue to be without key players like Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso, while the Nuggets saw the return of Nikola Jokic, who missed 16 straight games due to a hyperextended left knee.

Why it matters

This game is an important test for the Thunder as they look to bounce back from a disappointing loss and face a tough opponent in the Nuggets. The Thunder will need to find a way to contain Jokic and limit second-chance opportunities if they want to come away with a win on the road.

The details

The Thunder will be looking to get back on track after a blowout loss to the Timberwolves in which they struggled to set the tone early with their defense and create shots outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The expected return of Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace to the starting lineup should help address those issues. While the Thunder are equipped to make life difficult for Jokic, the Nuggets could struggle to contain Gilgeous-Alexander with Cameron Johnson out and Christian Braun doubtful.

  • The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CST on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The Thunder lost to the Timberwolves 123-111 on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • The Nuggets defeated the Clippers 122-109 on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star player and leading scorer, who will be key to the team's offensive production against the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' star center, who is returning from a hyperextended left knee injury and will be a major challenge for the Thunder to contain.

Jalen Williams

A key player for the Thunder who is currently out with a right hamstring strain.

Ajay Mitchell

Another injured Thunder player, sidelined with an abdominal strain.

Alex Caruso

The Thunder's starting point guard, who is out with a right adductor strain.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must throw the first punch and set the tone early with our defense if we want to have a chance against this Nuggets team.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Guard (Thunder Media)

“It's great to have Nikola back, he's the engine that makes us go. We'll need him at his best to take down this tough Thunder squad.”

— Michael Malone, Nuggets Head Coach (Nuggets.com)

What’s next

The Thunder will need to win this game against the Nuggets to keep pace in the Western Conference standings. A loss would drop them further behind the top teams in the conference.

The takeaway

This game represents an important test for the Thunder as they look to bounce back from a disappointing loss and prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the West. The return of key players and the ability to contain Nikola Jokic will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.