NBA Playoffs 2025: Thunder versus Nuggets Telecast Guide & Viewing Options
Alright, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are gonna square off in the Western Conference Semifinals, and there's plenty of hype for this showdown. The Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies while it took the Nuggets seven games to knock out the LA Clippers. So, we got this rust vs. rest debate cookin' for Game 1.
The Thunder haven't played since April 26, while the Nuggets are goin' from Game 7 against the Clippers on Saturday straight into Game 1 against the Thunder on Monday. Gotta give props to the fans, this is about as good as it gets with two MVP favorites goin' head-to-head. SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) led the league in scoring, and Nikola Jokic had one of the greatest regular seasons in NBA history.
Now, let's talk about the key matchups: between SGA and Jamal Murray, these two gonna need to put on a show. Murray's gotta outdo Jalen Williams if the Nuggets want to win. Depth has been a concern for the Nuggets all season, but they got some big performances from their bench in the crucial moments to win Game 7. Paper wise, the Thunder have a significant advantage in this area.
But remember, games aren't played on paper. Here's how to catch all the action unfoldin':
How To Watch Thunder Vs. Nuggets
- Game 1: Monday, May 5 @ 9:30 p.m. EST, TNT
- Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 @ 9:30 p.m. EST, TNT
- Game 3: Friday, May 9 @ 10:00 p.m. EST, ESPN
- Game 4: Sunday, May 11 @ 3:30 p.m. EST, ABC
- Game 5 (if necessary): TBD
- Game 6 (if necessary): TBD
- Game 7 (if necessary): TBD
Series Format/Bracket
There's the classic 2-2-1-1-1 format for each series. The team with home-court advantage hosts the first two games, Game 5, and Game 7 (if necessary). The weaker seed gets home court for Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary).
The winner of Thunder-Nuggets will go up against either the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors, with the series still to be decided between those teams.
And, for those who want a little history lesson, the Thunder and the Nuggets split the season series 2-2. Two of their games were in the opening month of the season, while the latter two were in March when the MVP race was at its peak.
Here's the breakdown of their season series results:
- Oct. 24: Thunder win, 102-87, in Denver.
- Nov. 6: Nuggets win, 124-122, in Denver.
- March 9: Thunder win, 127-103, in Oklahoma City.
- March 10: Nuggets win, 140-127, in Oklahoma City.
The Western Conference Semifinals will see the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets lock horns, with SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) leading the scoring charge for the Thunder against Jamal Murray. Both players are MVP favorites and have had impressive seasons, SGA setting the league's scoring record, and Nikola Jokic delivering one of the greatest regular season performances in NBA history.
The Thunder, having had more rest due to not playing since April 26, will face the Nuggets who are coming off a grueling seven-game series against the LA Clippers. Depth has been a concern for the Nuggets, but they demonstrated crucial bench performances to win Game 7.
Regarding the series format, the Thunder-Nuggets winner will move on to face either the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors. The series format follows a 2-2-1-1-1 pattern, with the team with home-court advantage hosting the first two games, Game 5, and Game 7 (if necessary).
This season, the Thunder and the Nuggets split their matches 2-2, with a pair of wins each. Two of their games occurred in the early season, and the latter two took place in March, when the MVP race was at its peak. The Thunder win in Denver on October 24 and the Nuggets victory in Oklahoma City on November 6 remain fresh memories.
In conclusion, the upcoming Thunder vs. Nuggets matchup promises to be exciting, with two powerhouses in the NBA playoffs going head-to-head. Game 1 of this series will take place on Monday, May 5.
