The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set for a decisive Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals, with the winner advancing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals. The game takes place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with the Thunder favored to win, especially after their top player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the series with an average of 28.8 points per game. Denver's Nikola Jokić continues to dominate, leading the playoffs in points, rebounds, and assists. The game is expected to be tight, with betting odds favoring a low-scoring, defensive battle under 214 points, partly due to Aaron Gordon’s hamstring injury limiting his play for Denver. The series has intensified the playoff rivalry, with the Timberwolves having a perfect 6-0 record against the Nuggets in recent playoff matchups. The Wolves, fresh off a sweep of the Golden State Warriors, are keenly watching the game, hoping to face a less experienced Thunder team rather than Denver, which has a history of playoff success. Meanwhile, the NBA playoffs are packed with drama, including the Knicks' recent firing of coach Tom Thibodeau after their Eastern Conference Finals loss, and discussions about potential coaching candidates like Michael Malone. The playoffs are also highlighting emerging stars such as Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards, and the broader landscape of NBA team strategies, including trade rumors and team rebuilds. The upcoming NBA Finals are highly anticipated, with the Pacers and Thunder seen as a potential small-market matchup that could test league parity. Overall, the playoffs continue to deliver high-stakes, intense basketball, with teams battling for their championship dreams amid injuries, strategic adjustments, and rivalries.