SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — A marquee NBA Christmas week showdown carries the weight of a recent thriller and a simmering rivalry when the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night at Frost Bank Center.

The Thunder (25-3), sporting the NBA’s best record, arrive seeking redemption after a narrow 111-109 home loss to these same Spurs on Dec. 13. That defeat is one of only three blemishes on Oklahoma City’s stellar season, which includes a 122-101 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers last Thursday. Their most recent outing, however, was a 112-107 loss at Minnesota on Friday.

San Antonio (21-8) has won seven of its last eight games, including a 124-113 victory at Washington on Sunday. The Spurs’ surge has been fueled by a balanced attack and the dynamic play of guard De’Aaron Fox. In the Dec. 13 win over Oklahoma City, Fox scored 22 points and hit the game-winning shot.

The spotlight will be on the elite guard matchup between Fox and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists over his last 10 games, including a 40-point performance against Minnesota on Nov. 26. He scored 29 points in the earlier loss to San Antonio.

Beyond the stars, both teams boast depth. For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso, who grabbed 12 rebounds against Minnesota, provide critical support. San Antonio’s recent wins have featured strong contributions from center Luke Kornet and rookie Stephon Castle, who dished out 11 assists against the Wizards.

This contest is the first of a home-and-home set between the teams, who will meet again in Oklahoma City on Christmas Day. The Thunder’s historically strong start will be tested by a Spurs team that has proven it can beat them. With both clubs atop the Western Conference standings, Tuesday’s game offers an early-season statement opportunity.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST at Frost Bank Center.