For the second time this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-14) will travel to Ball Arena to face off against the Denver Nuggets (13-11).

Tip-off is slated at 8 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Oklahoma.

Both teams come into tonight’s matchup with only two wins in their last five games. The Thunder lost two overtime games against the Los Angeles Lakers this week.

While Denver stopped a three-game losing streak with a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Despite the recent struggles, the Nuggets are serious contenders in the western conference. A road win of this magnitude would be a great way for the Thunder to finish this brief three-game road trip.

What to look forward to

Al Horford vs Nikola Jokic:

After facing an MVP candidate in LeBron James over the past two games, Oklahoma City is up against another one in Nikola Jokic tonight. The all-star center is averaging 27 points, eight assists, and 11 rebounds per game. Not to mention, these are career-high averages for Jokic.

To match up with Jokic, Al Horford is going to have to play a major role in tonight’s game. Horford who is known for his post defense has had great offensive production in two of the last three games.

Last Friday, Horford scored 26 points against the Timberwolves, and on Wednesday against the Lakers, Horford scored 25 points.

For the Thunder to win, Horford will have to be the focal point on both sides of the ball. If he is able to slow down Jokic then he will disrupt Denver’s entire offense.

Denver’s Defense

Although the Nuggets are a top-three scoring offense, they’re just middle of the pack when it comes to defense. The Thunder can take advantage of the Nuggets defense the most on the perimeter.

Where Denver’s defense lacks is where the Thunder strive. Oklahoma City has multiple athletic wings that have stepped up this season.

Look for either Hamidou Diallo or Darius Bazley to have a big game tonight against a Denver defense without a premier wing defender.