The Denver Nuggets are in Oklahoma City for a baseball-style series against the Thunder.
The top two MVP candidates are squaring off in two straight battles, which could be detrimental to how voters make their selection.
Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in back-to-back days should provide high-level entertainment, regardless of the markets in which they play.
Early in the first game, which was a lunchtime tipoff, the Nuggets got off to a scorching 14-3 start, though the Thunder would trim that deficit to just one point, with a 29-28 score through the first frame.
Jokic was superb in the first quarter, putting up 14 points and five rebounds.
On the other side, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points with three rebounds through 12 minutes.
However, there is one wrinkle that could have quite the impact during the game.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nuggets make unfortunate announcement early in Thunder matchup
The Nuggets announced that Aaron Gordon is now questionable with right calf tightness.
"Aaron Gordon has right calf tightness and is questionable to return for the Nuggets," Katy Winge shared on X.
Aaron Gordon has right calf tightness and is questionable to return for the Nuggets
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) March 9, 2025
If they miss out on his physicality and defense, it'll be a big blow for Denver. Gordon was on the injury report prior to the matchup, but was able to play to start the contest.
The 52-11 Thunder will continue to be quite resilient and tough for the Nuggets, who are 41-22, to handle over the two-game stretch on the road.
Jokic's heroics will have to continue if the Nuggets want to make up for a potential Gordon absence.
Should the forward return, though, the Nuggets will get quite a defensive boost.
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 10:45 AM.