The Denver Nuggets remain among the NBA's elite teams with their championship-caliber roster anchored by Jokic, while the Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as Western Conference contenders with exceptional depth and defensive prowess. Both franchises feature dynamic offensive weapons and will compete heavily for playoff positioning throughout the season.
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
The Denver Nuggets remain the more proven championship contender with Jokic's elite playmaking and scoring, but the Oklahoma City Thunder present a legitimate threat with superior depth, youth, and defense. Choose the Nuggets if you value championship pedigree and superstar dominance; choose the Thunder if you prefer a balanced, sustainable roster built for long-term success.
Compare Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
2023 NBA Champions with a historically great MVP-caliber point guard and established winning culture.
Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder with 127 attributes.
Jamal Murray / Paul George Assists (2025-26)
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard True Shooting %
Playoff Finals Appearances (Franchise History)
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
2023-2024 Regular Season Points Per Game
2023-2024 Regular Season Defensive Rating
Western Conference Finals Appearances (2021-2024)
Nikola Jokic vs Kawhi Leonard 2023-2024 PPG
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder.
Who is the better team right now in 2025-26?
Based on 2024-25 regular season performance (as of January 2025), the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a slight edge with a 39-26 record versus Denver's 37-28. However, the Nuggets' championship experience and superstar Nikola Jokic give them the edge in playoff scenarios. The Thunder's defense (105.2 rating) is significantly superior to Denver's (109.8 rating), but Jokic's playmaking (11.2 APG) and Denver's offensive firepower (119.3 PPG) remain elite.
Can the Oklahoma City Thunder win a championship soon?
Yes, the Thunder have a legitimate championship window. They possess the NBA's best defense, elite two-way star in SGA, and significant roster flexibility with $50 million in salary cap space. However, they lack championship experience—their only playoff series win since 2012 was in 2024. The Nuggets' proven 2023 championship and playoff experience gives them an advantage in clutch moments, but Thunder's youth (average age 24.8) and organizational stability suggest sustained contention for 5+ years.
How much longer will the Nuggets compete at this level?
The Nuggets face challenges: their average roster age of 29.2 years suggests a 2-3 year prime window. Jokic (age 29) is still elite, but Jamal Murray (27) and other key players are entering their early 30s. The $184 million luxury tax payroll also limits upgrading depth pieces. Denver can contend through 2026-27, but roster deterioration is inevitable without significant moves. Contrast this with Thunder's 24.8 average age and $50M cap space for sustained builds.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's defense is substantially better. They rank 1st in the NBA with a 105.2 defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions), while Denver ranks 21st at 109.8. The Thunder have multiple capable defenders (SGA, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren) and a defensive culture. Denver's defense has been a weakness, contributing to playoff struggles. This defensive advantage is critical in playoffs where shooting regresses and defense determines outcomes.
Who should I pick for my fantasy team or playoff predictions?
For 2025-26, lean Thunder for regular season wins and defensive consistency. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is posting 30.1 PPG with elite defense, while the team's balanced scoring (6 players at 12+ PPG) provides reliable depth. For playoff contention and clutch moments, Jokic and the Nuggets' experience provides slight edge. Thunder are the safer regular-season bet; Nuggets are the proven playoff bet. Monitor Denver's health in February and March, as aging rosters suffer injuries more frequently.