The Thunder can't afford to lose games at home as the race for the 1 seed heats up.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng had 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat Oklahoma City 110-93 on Thursday night. The Thunder traded Dieng just before the deadline.

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. ET.

Nikola Topic received a standing ovation as he made his long-awaited NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder after recovering from both a torn ACL and testicular cancer. The 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft stepped onto the floor at Paycom Center following a year defined by injury and illness rather than development.

On a recent episode of First Take, an ESPN sports talk show, multiple national media members discussed Oklahoma City's chances to repeat as champions.

In the eyes of Lakers coach JJ Redick, every team his group faces is a test. Still, many wondered if the Lakers’ litmus test would come from facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.

Five players remain out for Oklahoma City, but Caruso, Dort and Holmgren are no longer listed ahead of Saturday night’s matchup.

Preview the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA matchup with the Nuggets, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

The Milwaukee Bucks face the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The biggest winners of the night were the fans as the All-Star Game was competitive and featured some defense this year.