The Oklahoma City Thunder, sitting at 26-3, have suffered recent losses that dim their chances of breaking the NBA's single-season wins record. After a hot start tying the historical 24-1 mark over the first 25 games, back-to-back defeats to the Spurs and Wolves have adjusted betting odds against them. With the league's hardest remaining schedule, the team must limit losses to just five more in 53 games to reach 74 wins.
The Thunder's impressive season hit a snag with two losses in their last three games, bringing their record to 26-3. Their first defeat came as a two-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, followed by a setback against the San Antonio Spurs last week, and then the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend. This marks their second loss in three games, cooling early talk of surpassing the Golden State Warriors' 73-win record from 2015-16.
Before the Minnesota loss, FanDuel odds had the Thunder at -188 to reach 70-plus wins and +360 for 74 wins. Post-loss, those shifted to -118 and +580, respectively, highlighting the slim margin for error in chasing such greatness. To hit 74 wins, Oklahoma City can afford only five more defeats over the remaining two-thirds of the season.
Despite the stumbles, the Thunder remain dominant, boasting a +16.1 point differential that would shatter their own NBA record from last year. They rank fifth in offensive rating and first in defensive rating, with a gap over second-place Detroit mirroring the distance between Detroit and 23rd-ranked Los Angeles Lakers. The team excels in ball security, leading in turnover percentage, opponents' turnover percentage, and points off turnovers, while sitting second in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Led by reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and with a deep roster—including Jalen Williams, who missed the first 19 games but earned All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense honors last season—the Thunder are favorites for back-to-back titles, a feat last achieved by the Warriors in 2017-18. All three losses occurred in clutch situations, underscoring their competitiveness even in defeat.
Challenges loom with the NBA's toughest remaining schedule across 53 games, including 27 at home where they hold a strong advantage, losing just eight times last season including playoffs. Key tests include back-to-back games against the Spurs on Tuesday away and Christmas Day at home, a January road trip starting at Houston, and stretches against Minnesota, Denver, the Lakers, and more in February and March. Road games and back-to-backs pose the biggest risks, potentially pushing losses beyond five.
