Overview

• The Western Conference second-round series between the Thunder and Nuggets is tied 2-2, with Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. EDT in Oklahoma City.
• Oklahoma City gained momentum with a 92-87 Game 4 victory, driven by significant contributions from bench players like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace.
• Nikola Jokic, Denver’s star center, has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 33.3% over the last three games under intense defensive pressure from the Thunder.
• Denver’s bench has been outscored by 50 points across the series, with limited contributions beyond the starting lineup, prompting calls for a deeper rotation.
• Historically, the Thunder have advanced in every tied 2-2 series after winning Game 5 at home, making this matchup a critical juncture for both teams.