Alright, basketball junkies, it’s that time again—Game 7. The Oklahoma Thunder and the Denver Nuggets will settle this Western Conference semifinal with everything on the line. Oklahoma City’s big man Chet Holmgren dominates the conversation, but there’s more to this story. Let’s break down who’s healthy, who’s questionable, and what Thunder fans should sweat before tip-off.

Good news first—Chet Holmgren is officially cleared for Game 7. The Thunder’s medical staff gave him the green light after that ankle sprain earlier this season. He’s played through the postseason without missing a beat. His 19-point, 11-rebound Game 6 performance wasn’t just solid—it was borderline vintage.

THIS CARUSO TO CHET OOP 😤🙌

📺 OKC (3-2) DEN | Game 6 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/9dIQIxiLYI

— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2025

But wait—there’s more. Nikola Topic? He’s still out with a knee issue. Though he did some light shooting drills back before the 105-92 loss to the Celtics, he won’t suit up anytime soon. That absence ramps up the pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the rotation to step up big time.

Game 6 was a classic “almost but nah” moment for OKC. Shai showed up like the star he’s hyped to be, dropping 32 and 6 assists. The rest of the team? They didn’t light the world on fire. The Nuggets’ defense clamped down, and Denver’s stars—Jokic and Murray—kept the Thunder’s comeback hopes just that: hopes.

Now it’s all on Game 7—the ultimate “winner takes all” grind. Denver’s rolling into this one with all their stars healthy—Jokic and Murray are good to go. These guys know how to handle the pressure cooker; between them, they’re 4-2 in Game 7s over the past seven years.

Thunder’s Depth Chart vs Nuggets Game 7

Before tip-off, here’s a quick look at how the Thunder are lining up and who’s expected to take the floor in this all-or-nothing Game 7 showdown.

Chet Holmgren’s health and energy will drive the Thunder’s chances—can he sustain that big-game impact again? His scoring, rebounding, and rim protection will prove vital if Oklahoma City wants to pull off the upset. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership also can’t be overstated; the Thunder need their star to fire early and get everyone else involved.
Denver’s bench depth, especially players like Julian Strawther, could become the X-factor, giving Jokic and Murray some much-needed breathing room late in the game. Aaron Gordon’s hamstring remains a concern, but the Nuggets look ready to roll regardless. On the flip side, Denver’s bench depth, especially guys like Julian Strawther, could be the X-factor for the team, giving Jokic and Murray the breathing room they need late in the game. Injury-wise, Aaron Gordon’s hamstring is a bit of a question mark, but the Nuggets appear ready to roll regardless. For six games, these two squads have delivered everything a basketball junkie craves: edge-of-your-seat moments, insane skill, and a playoff vibe that never quits. Now, with Game 7 looming on Sunday, it’s time for one last epic showdown in the Western Conference semifinals.
The Nuggets have shown they can battle through leads, injuries, and illness. The Thunder have the raw talent, grit, and a rookie star in Chet Holmgren ready to carry the load, but they need the rest of the team to show up and deliver. With two MVP finalists going head to head and history on the line, expect Game 7 to live up to all the hype and more. Buckle up—playoff basketball doesn’t get any better than this.