Nuggets vs. Thunder NBA Betting Odds, Picks: Denver 8.5-point underdogs in OKC
The Denver Nuggets open their 2026-27 NBA season Thursday against Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.
Denver is making its regular-season debut, while Oklahoma City already has an impressive victory under its belt.
The Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 on Tuesday behind 32 points from two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Thursday’s matchup features another showdown between Gilgeous-Alexander and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, with both teams hoping to contend for the Western Conference title.
Nuggets vs. Thunder NBA Betting Odds
The Thunder enter Thursday as 8.5-point favourites on the NBA odds, with a -320 moneyline. Denver is listed at +260. The total is listed at 235.5 points.
The Nuggets finished 54-28 last season, placing third in the Western Conference before losing to Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs.
Denver also led the NBA in scoring, averaging 122.1 points per game, but struggled defensively.
The Thunder beat the Nuggets three of four times last season, including both games at Paycom Center, but Denver went 3-1 against the spread in those games. All four contests went to the Over.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets enter the season with familiar title aspirations centred around Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Jokic remains one of basketball’s most complete offensive players, combining elite scoring, rebounding and passing ability.
Murray averaged a career-high 25.4 points last season, giving Denver another dangerous scoring option alongside its superstar centre.
Gordon appeared in just 36 games last season, making his health particularly important to Denver’s hopes of challenging the West’s best teams.
The Nuggets also added veteran DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points last season and brings another proven scorer to their rotation.
Newcomers Tyus Jones, Marvin Bagley III and Alpha Diallo provide additional depth.
However, defence is still a concern for coach David Adelman. Denver ranked 21st in defensive efficiency last season despite possessing the league’s most productive offence.
Containing Gilgeous-Alexander will provide an immediate test.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder opened impressively against San Antonio, building a commanding lead before securing a 12-point victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, demonstrating why he has captured consecutive MVP awards.
Oklahoma City’s defence also made life difficult for Victor Wembanyama, helping the Thunder establish control against a dangerous Western Conference opponent.
Chet Holmgren added 14 points and four blocks, while Jalen Williams chipped in with 12 points.
Holmgren’s rim protection will be especially important against Jokic, though containing Denver’s centre will require a collective defensive effort.
Coach Mark Daigneault’s team has an advantage in already having played a meaningful game, particularly against an opponent making its season debut.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Thunder?
Denver has enough offensive talent to challenge Oklahoma City, especially if Jokic and Murray establish their offensive rhythm early.
However, the Thunder’s defence, home-court advantage and impressive opening performance make them the stronger choice.
Expect Denver to remain competitive before Oklahoma City pulls away late.
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