National Media Members Split on OKC Thunder's Title Chances

Analysts debate whether the Thunder or the field will win the Western Conference

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2025-26 NBA season as favorites to repeat as champions, but their recent stretch has created some doubt among analysts about their chances. On a recent episode of First Take, national media members David Dennis Jr. and Stephen A. Smith favored "the field" over the Thunder, while Brian Windhorst disagreed and picked OKC to win the West. The group noted the Thunder's injury struggles as a concern, with Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenestein, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Ajay Mitchell all missing significant time this season.

Why it matters

The Thunder's position as title favorites has been called into question as they've cooled off since their historic 24-1 start. This debate among national media members highlights the uncertainty surrounding OKC's championship aspirations and the growing belief that other teams in the West, like the Spurs and Nuggets, may be capable of dethroning the defending champs.

The details

The Thunder have the most wins in the NBA at 42-14, holding a three-game lead on the San Antonio Spurs in the West. However, Detroit boasts the league's best winning percentage. OKC's recent struggles have led some analysts to favor "the field" over the Thunder, with David Dennis Jr. citing the Spurs' success against OKC and the Nuggets' ability to compete with them. Brian Windhorst, on the other hand, still picked the Thunder to win the West.

  • The Thunder entered the 2025-26 season as favorites to repeat as NBA champions.
  • OKC started the season 24-1 before cooling off.
  • Heading into the All-Star break, the Thunder have a 42-14 record, leading the West by 3 games.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The defending NBA champions who entered the 2025-26 season as favorites to repeat.

David Dennis Jr.

A national media member who favored "the field" over the Thunder on First Take.

Stephen A. Smith

A national media member who also favored "the field" over the Thunder on First Take.

Brian Windhorst

A national media member who disagreed with Dennis and Smith and picked the Thunder to win the West.

Jalen Williams

A Thunder starter who has dealt with multiple hamstring ailments this season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm taking the field here. Like, when I think of somebody versus the field, I think of Tiger Woods versus the field. I think of (the Kevin Durant) Warriors vesus the field, (Michael) Jordan Bulls versus the field. The Thunder are not that dominant, at this moment, to be in that position right now.”

— David Dennis Jr., National Media Member (First Take)

“The other teams, I think, do not fear the Thunder in the way that they did maybe at the beginning of the season. Especially when you look at the Spurs. The Spurs are not afraid of that Thunder team and they punched them in the mouth three of those times they played against them. I think the Nuggets are right there with them.”

— David Dennis Jr., National Media Member (First Take)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to regain their early-season form and prove the doubters wrong as they push for a second straight championship.

The takeaway

The debate around the Thunder's title chances highlights the parity and competitiveness in the NBA this season, with multiple teams emerging as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.