Playoffs-Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Imagn).

The Denver Nuggets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 9, 2026, at Paycom Center in a Western Conference matchup with playoff implications. Oklahoma City leads the conference with a 50-15 record, while Denver is 39-25 and trying to improve its position in the standings.This game comes shortly after the Thunder defeated the Nuggets in overtime in their last meeting. Both teams are dealing with injuries, which could affect how the game plays out.

Denver Nuggets injury report and roster outlook vs Oklahoma City Thunder (March 9, 2026)

Denver Nuggets will be without Peyton Watson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. He is expected to return around March 11. Jamal Murray is listed as a game-time decision because of an ankle issue.Nikola Jokic is available and remains the center of Denver’s lineup. He will be joined in the frontcourt by Jonas Valanciunas and Zeke Nnaji. Other regular rotation players, including Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson, are available.

Denver Nuggets key players and rotation (March 9, 2026)

• Starters: Jamal Murray (PG), Christian Braun (SG), Cam Johnson (SF), Aaron Gordon (PF), Nikola Jokic (C) • Key bench: Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown Jr., Peyton Watson, Jonas Valanciunas, Julian StrawtherDenver has not made any recent roster changes that affect its main rotation. All listed players remain part of the team during the 2025–26 season.

Oklahoma City Thunder injury report and roster updates vs Denver Nuggets (March 9, 2026)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are dealing with several injuries. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss time until at least March 12. Isaiah Hartenstein is out with a calf injury. Alex Caruso will miss the game because of a hip issue, and Branden Carlson is sidelined with a back injury.Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable because of illness. Thomas Sorber is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has returned to the lineup and is available for this game.

Oklahoma City Thunder key players and rotation (March 9, 2026)

• Core players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG), Cason Wallace (SG), Chet Holmgren (C), Jaylin Williams (PF), Isaiah Joe (SG)With several players unavailable, Oklahoma City may rely more on its bench to fill minutes around Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the starting group.

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder head-to-head history

Oklahoma City leads the season series 2-0. The Thunder won the first game 121-111 and later won the second meeting 127-121 in overtime on February 27.Overall, Oklahoma City holds a 109-96 lead in the all-time series between the two teams. Recent games between them have been competitive and physical.

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Team statistics comparison for the 2025-26 season

Denver has the highest scoring average in the league this season. Nikola Jokic leads the team with averages of 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.Oklahoma City has been strong defensively. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team in scoring with an average of 31.6 points per game.

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Key matchup and game outlook

Jokic will face an Oklahoma City Thunder frontcourt that is missing Isaiah Hartenstein and may also be without Chet Holmgren. Denver Nuggets could try to use Jokic and Valanciunas to control rebounds and create offense inside.Also read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Oklahoma City Thunder? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (March 9, 2026)The Thunder have played well at home with a 26-6 record. Denver has also been effective on the road, going 22-12 away from home. If Jamal Murray is available, Denver will have another scoring option in the backcourt, but Oklahoma City enters the game as a 5.5-point favorite.