Thunder Cruise Past Jazz in Sunday Matchup

OKC looks to secure top seed in West as Jazz aim to improve draft position

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:04am

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Utah Jazz on Sunday evening in a matchup between two teams headed in different directions. The Thunder, sitting at 61-16, are looking to secure the top seed in the Western Conference, while the struggling Jazz, at 21-57, are focused on improving their draft position for the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

This game has significant playoff implications for the Thunder, who are vying for the top spot in the West. Meanwhile, the Jazz are in full rebuilding mode and will be looking to lose in order to improve their draft lottery odds.

The details

The Thunder are coming off a dominant 139-96 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, though they did see Lu Dort exit the game with an injury. Dort is available to play on Sunday. The Jazz, on the other hand, are reeling, having lost 12 of their last 13 games, including a 140-106 road defeat to the Houston Rockets on Friday.

  • The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Thunder defeated the Lakers 139-96 on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Jazz lost 140-106 to the Rockets on Friday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Lu Dort

A key player for the Thunder who exited the team's previous game with an injury but is available to play on Sunday.

Justin Martinez

A reporter who covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman and provided the game prediction.

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What they’re saying

“OKC has every incentive to win this game, as it can help it get one step closer to securing the top seed in the Western Conference. And Utah has every incentive to lose this game, as tries to secure the best possible lottery odds in the 2026 NBA Draft.”

— Justin Martinez, Thunder and NBA reporter

What’s next

The Thunder will look to continue their strong play and secure the top seed in the Western Conference, while the Jazz will aim to lose in order to improve their draft position.

The takeaway

This game represents a stark contrast between a contending Thunder team looking to solidify its playoff position and a rebuilding Jazz squad focused on the future. The outcome could have significant implications for both franchises as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.