Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Game 5 Preview- Would Nikola Jokic Be Able To Overcome Shooting Slump to Help Nuggets Gain a 3-2 Lead?

Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder will once again welcome the Denver Nuggets for Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series on Tuesday, May 13 at Paycom Center. The series that started with the Nuggets pulling off an upset over the favorites, Thunder, has reached an interesting stage. Both teams are currently tied 2-2. As action proceeds towards the second half of the series, the Thunder would want to make the most of their home court advantage, while the Nuggets would wish to steal the advantage and gain the upper hand.

Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

The table-toppers OKC Thunder, who entered the playoffs to go all the way through the Western Conference, had an unexpected beginning to the semifinals series. Their lower-seeded rivals stole home court advantage and secured a narrow win to set an early dominance. However, Oklahoma City did make a comeback and secured a win in Game 2 in a blowout fashion.

Since then, there has been a cut-throat competition between both the teams. In the last game, which was rather a low-scoring affair, the Thunder put up a brilliant defense and offensively, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came up with their highest score, 25 points.

Shai showing off the midrange 🏹 pic.twitter.com/pRqpSv05bL
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 11, 2025

Denver Nuggets Preview

The Nuggets were heading into the series with a 4-3 win over the LA Clippers in the first round series. They went on to secure a win in the series opener, but struggled with consistency. Their star center Nikola Jokic, who kicked off the series with a 42-point banger, has been going through a shooting slump.

Also Read: How Many Times Have Teams Come Back From 1–3 Deficit in NBA Playoffs?

The reigning MVP has displayed one of the most inefficient shooting performances of his career in the last couple games, and the Thunder are aiming to capitalize it. The Serbian star who shot 21-of-63 from the field in the last three games and 4-of-22 from the three-point range would aim to find his rhythm back as the series takes a crucial turn.

Nikola Jokic last 3 games:

17 PTS – 8 REB – 6 AST – 37% FG
20 PTS – 16 REB – 6 AST – 32% FG
27 PTS – 13 REB – 3 AST – 31% FG pic.twitter.com/HmAA2BQSA3
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 11, 2025

OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Report

OKC Thunder

The Thunder have their rookie Nikola Topic listed on the injury report. Topic continues his rehabilitation for a partially torn ACL that he suffered in May 2024.

Denver Nuggets Injuries

The Nuggets have listed DaRon Holmes II out with his right achilles tendon repair, while Hunter Tyson, who missed Game 4 due to a sprained ankle will continue to be out of action for Tuesday’s game as well.

Where to Watch Thunder vs. Nuggets Tonight?

NBA fans would be able to catch live action of conference semifinals Game 5 between the Thunder and the Nuggets on TNT from 9:00 pm ET. One can also catch the live stream on Fubo and NBA League Pass.

Also Read: Michael Jordan Returns to NBA As Special Contributor For NBC’s Broadcast in 2025-26 Season

Denver Nuggets

Oklahoma City Thunder

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.