The Denver Nuggets and OKC Thunder cross swords in a high-octane regular-season game at the Paycom Center on Friday, with tipoff at 9:30 p.m. EST. It is the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Thunder recording a 121-111 win in the previous matchup on Feb. 1.
The Nuggets are coming off a dominant 103-84 win over the Boston Celtics. They remain in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 37-22 record, half a game behind the third-place Houston Rockets and half a game ahead of the fifth-place Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Meanwhile, the Thunder are coming off a respectable 124-116 loss against the Detroit Pistons. They split the brief two-game road trip 1-1, and remain in pole position in the West with a 45-15 record, just 1.5 games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.
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Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Preview, Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction
Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Betting Tips and Odds
Moneyline: Nuggets (+260), Thunder (-320)
Spread: Nuggets +5.5 (-116), Thunder -5.5 (-105)
Total over/under o/u: Nuggets o225.5 (-111), Thunder u225.5 (-111)
Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff.
Betting Tips
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to score over 28.5 points.
- Nikola Jokic is expected to score over 28.5 points.
- Chet Holmgren is expected to score over 16.5 points.
Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Preview
The Nuggets blew out the Celtics on Wednesday despite Jamal Murray exiting the game early with an illness. Nikola Jokic took over the game in the third quarter before finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas made an impactful contribution off the bench. Valanciunas, in particular, held things together in non-Jokic minutes, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, Murray’s status for the game remains questionable, with a final update expected before tipoff.
On the contrary, the biggest news for the Thunder is the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning MVP is cleared to make his comeback after missing the last nine games with an abdominal strain. His return will instantly elevate the Thunder, who are still missing Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
Cason Wallace has been in red-hot scoring, averaging over 23 points over the last three games. Jared McCain played 30 minutes against the Pistons and scored 20 points, with his 3-point stroke looking in great rhythm. Alex Caruso will also return after missing the previous game, adding more depth to the Thunder team.
Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Starting Lineups Tonight
Denver Nuggets starting lineup
PG: Jamal Murray, SG: Julian Strawther, SF: Cam Johnson, PF: Christian Braun, C: Nikola Jokic.
OKC Thunder starting lineup
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG: Cason Wallace, SF: Chet Holmgren, PF: Lu Dort, C: Isaiah Hartenstein.
Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Prediction
It is a heavyweight clash between two contenders, with each team led by an MVP candidate. The showdown between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic is a mouthwatering prospect, and we expect the Thunder MVP to lead his team to a win.
Final score prediction: Thunder win 119-110.
Edited by Atishay Jain