Josh Giddey returns to OKC to play former team: Full preview of Bulls-Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Monday’s matchup riding a nine-game winning streak, with a chance to become just the third team in NBA history to reach 70 wins in a season if they win out.

Former OKC Thunder player Josh Giddey is returning to the court at Paycom Center Monday. This time to face his former team as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

With three more victories, the Thunder would surpass the franchise record for most wins in a season, set in 1995-96 in Seattle. The Thunder has won their last five games by an average margin of 19 points.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are battling for position in the Eastern Conference play-in race. They are currently tied with Miami for ninth place.

Chicago has won four of its last five games but is coming off a narrow 120-119 loss to Dallas on Saturday.

Thunder Record

The Thunder have a chance to make history on Monday, as they boast a remarkable 27-1 record against Eastern Conference opponents this season. A win over the Bulls would set an NBA record for the most victories against an opposing conference in a single season.

Full Injury Report

1. Chet Holmgren Questionable
2. Isaiah Hartenstein Questionable
3. Jaylin Williams Questionable
4. Aaron Wiggins OUT

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1. Lonzo Ball Doubtful
2. Ayo Dosunmu OUT
3. Kevin Huerter OUT
4. Tre Jones OUT
5. EJ Liddell OUT

Last Matchup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 23 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points and a career-best 16 rebounds in a dominant 114-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls in their home opener on October 26.

Jalen Williams delivered an all-around performance with 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

Zach LaVine recorded 22 points and nine rebounds for Chicago, while Nikola Vucevic added 18 points and 13 boards.

Josh Giddey, facing his former team for the first time since being traded to Chicago for Alex Caruso, finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. The Thunder moved Giddey after his playoff role was reduced.

Caruso, a fan favorite during his three seasons with the Bulls, received a standing ovation and acknowledged the crowd during an early timeout. He checked in late in the first quarter and ended the night with three points in 22 minutes.

From Josh Giddey on his return

It feels great. Obviously, I haven't been back here since the trade happened, but it's a place I love—the fans, teammates, the organization. I was excited. I had this game circling on my calendar all year, and it sucks that it had to be this late in the season. That was something I wasn’t ready to get back to, but I'm super excited. I'm trying my best to put those emotions aside because we still have a game to win. This is the best team in the league right now, so we're a little undermanned with injuries, but it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves going into the back end of the year. But yeah, I’m super excited.

Looking Ahead

The Pistons will visit OKC on Wednesday night at 8:00 with the return of J.B. Bickerstaff to Paycom. The Pistons coach angrily complained about the officiating in the last matchup with the Thunder.

"I'm disgusted by the way that game was officiated," Bickerstaff said. "The level of disrespect was above and beyond. They have a guy fall down and trip on his own teammate's foot, they review us for a hostile act. They throw an elbow to our chest and neck area, I ask to at least take a look at it (on video). ... No one would take a look at it.

"The disrespect has gone far enough, and I'm not going to allow our guys to be treated the way they were tonight."

Game Info

March 31, 2025, 7:00

Paycom Center, OKC

Watch: FanDuel Sports Oklahoma

Odds

Thunder are listed as 15-point favorites via FanDuel