NBA 2024-2025: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder
Home Team
76.4%
114.4 pts
VS
Denver Nuggets
Away Team
23.6%
109.3 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Oklahoma City Thunder are predicted to win against the Denver Nuggets with a probability of 76.4%. The expected scoreline suggests Oklahoma City will edge Denver with 114.4 points to 109.3. The Thunder's starting lineup is expected to feature Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will likely start Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokić.
Game Analysis
Over their last three encounters, the Oklahoma City Thunder have shown a slight edge over the Denver Nuggets, winning two out of three games. The Thunder have demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from a loss in their latest game against the Nuggets with two solid victories prior. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of results against the Thunder, securing a win in their latest matchup but faltering in the two preceding games.
The Thunder's starting five combines strong offensive capabilities with solid defensive performances, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable 128.7 offensive rating and 107.9 defensive rating, alongside his average of 32.19 points per game. Similarly, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein provide additional defensive support with ratings of 104.3 and 104.8, respectively. Conversely, the Nuggets' lineup, led by Nikola Jokić, boasts an impressive offensive rating of 132.4 but faces challenges defensively, with Jamal Murray and others posting higher defensive ratings. The Nuggets' reliance on Jokić's scoring prowess, averaging 29.13 points per game, will be crucial as they look to overcome defensive vulnerabilities.
Final Prediction
The Oklahoma City Thunder hold an advantage heading into this matchup, primarily due to their balanced approach in both offense and defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around performance will be a key factor, potentially tipping the scales in favor of the Thunder. Keep an eye on how the Thunder's defense handles Nikola Jokić, as limiting his impact could be pivotal in securing the win.