The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night in a highly anticipated NBA matchup between the West’s top contenders. Both teams, champions in 2023 and 2025 respectively, are aiming to secure another title this season. The game carries additional significance as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, the previous two MVP winners from Oklahoma City and Denver, are competing once again for the league’s most valuable player honor. Gilgeous-Alexander had been sidelined with an abdominal injury but is now fully cleared to play, marking his first game back since February 3rd.
Fans will also see Chet Holmgren back in the Thunder lineup after missing recent games, ensuring both of Oklahoma City’s All-Stars will be on the court for this crucial encounter.
Injury Updates Shape Team Readiness Before the Game
While Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren return, the Thunder will still be without Jalen Williams, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and is expected to be re-evaluated in about a week. Ajay Mitchell is also out due to an ankle injury. Despite these absences, Oklahoma City will largely be at near full strength for the pivotal game against Denver.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, enter this matchup with some lingering injury concerns. Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson will not suit up as they continue to recover from hamstring injuries. However, Denver’s head coach David Adelman has expressed optimism, suggesting the team should be fully healthy with roughly 20 games remaining in the regular season, bringing hope that these issues are close to resolution.
Additionally, Jamal Murray is listed as questionable after missing Wednesday’s game against the Celtics due to illness. Spencer Jones (shoulder), Jalen Pickett (knee), and Julian Strawther (sprained toe) also carry questionable or probable statuses but were active in the recent contest and are expected to play Friday night.
Implications of the Return for the West’s Championship Race
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s return is a critical boost for the Thunder as they prepare to face one of their fiercest Western Conference rivals. Both he and Nikola Jokic remain key figures in the MVP battle, and their availability greatly impacts their teams’ chances to contend for the championship. With most key players available, the game offers fans a first-rate competition featuring the West’s top talent after a period marked by injuries and setbacks.
As the regular season progresses, this matchup could set the tone for the final push toward the playoffs, with both teams striving to prove they can overcome their injury challenges and dominate the conference.
Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams remain out vs the Nuggets.
Branden Carlson and Thomas Sorber are also out.
Every other Thunder player is good to go.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 26, 2026
Injury Report ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Thunder:
PROBABLE:
Julian Strawther (Left Great Toe Sprain)QUESTIONABLE:
Jamal Murray (Illness)
Spencer Jones (Right Shoulder Strain)
Jalen Pickett (Right Knee Soreness)OUT:
Peyton Watson (Right Hamstring Strain)
Aaron… pic.twitter.com/9QBtcyvNlp— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 26, 2026
