Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, NBA Odds
The Nuggets have struggled this month, losing six of nine outings before defeating the Boston Celtics at home on Wednesday 103-84. Nikola Jokic shot just 39.3% (11/28) from the field and 30.8% (4/13) from beyond the arc, but his 30 points and 12 rebounds led the way as the Nuggets pulled away in the second half. Boston capitulated in the final 24 minutes of a four-game Western Conference swing.
The Thunder had won 5 of 6, but a shadow of itself fell at Eastern Conference-leading Detroit on Wednesday 124-116. With five of its six leading scorers unavailable against the Pistons, it’s actually somewhat amazing that they stayed within striking distance.
Jaylin Williams had a career-high 30 points to go with 11 rebounds, Cason Wallace added 23 points and five assists, and Aaron Wiggins chipped in with 20 points and six assists in the loss.
Nuggets vs. Thunder NBA Betting Odds
On the NBA betting odds, Denver is 2-4 against the spread in its last six games, but 6-3 ATS in its last nine against the Thunder.
OKC is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven games and has won 4 of 5 against the Nuggets.
Both teams are regularly playing to the over. Denver has done so in each of its last six road games, while the Thunder have done so in 7 of their last 9 overall.
Denver Nuggets
The win over the Celtics had to feel good, but losing second-leading scorer Jamal Murray (25.1 ppg, 7.4 apg) to illness after less than eight minutes of playing time was certainly not ideal. He is questionable for this one against OKC, as is Julian Strawther.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets continue to be without their third and fourth-leading scorers, as Aaron Gordon (17.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Peyton Watson (14.9 ppg) are both dealing with hamstring issues. Watson’s injury is considered more severe, and he is expected to miss at least another week.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen/ankle) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) continue to be out of the lineup, but the Thunder expect their big guns back for tonight’s contest.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – second in the league in scoring with 31.8 points – will be back in the lineup. He had 34 points and 13 assists in OKC’s 121-111 victory over the Nuggets nearly four weeks ago.
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Harteinstein, who sat out Wednesday in the second game of a back-to-back, and Isaiah Joe, who left Wednesday’s setback to the Pistons at halftime, are all expected to play this evening.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Thunder?
Wednesday’s win over Boston was certainly a boost for the Nuggets, but it will take another impressive result or two to truly believe Denver is off the snide.
That impressive result won’t take place this evening.
Oklahoma City has “only” played .600 ball (21-14) since its historic 24-1 start, but with SGA and Holmgren back in the starting lineup at home, it’s hard to see the Thunder not covering, let alone winning.
Look for Oklahoma City to post a relatively easy victory tonight, something like 121-109.
DEN
OKC