A potential Western Conference Finals preview closes out a 10-game slate in the NBA on Sunday, as the Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nikola Joki

In this current era of the NBA where injuries abound and rest nights are necessary to preserve knees, ankles and all manner of soft tissue, it’s refreshing when the best go against the best with everyone watching.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were straight-up bullied in a 123-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Trailing for the entire night, they looked as flat as day-old soda. The final score didn't tell the full story in a game they were behind by as many as 22 points.

The Thunder will have competed against the next top-six teams in the West following its upcoming seven-game stretch, and the need for healthy talent grows.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting the NBA's top record, face the Denver Nuggets in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite both teams battling injuries, including key players for Denver, this clash pits the league's premier offense against its stingiest defense.

Chippy, physical play between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort and New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Jeremiah Fears bubbled throughout Oklahoma City’s 104-95 victory on Tuesday, Jan. 27 before a shoving match erupted after regulation.

The NBA addressed an on-court incident from the Oklahoma City Thunder-New Orleans Pelicans matchup on Tuesday night, announcing fines for two players involved in a late-game altercation.