Thunder, Nuggets Picks, Predictions: Will Oklahoma City Keep its Streak Alive Against Denver?
There's a Western Conference showdown on Thursday between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams boast identical 4-3 records. Let's dive into this matchup with our Nuggets-Thunder picks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder started slow while posting losses in each of their first three games, though the average margin of victory was just 7.3 points per outing. However, the Thunder have bounced back while winning four straight contests, with nine points the average margin of victory.
Also, two of those four wins came against the L.A. Clippers, a team expected to be in the hunt for a playoff berth with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points (on 12-for-18 shooting) to go along with four rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and three steals during Oklahoma's 116-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. And 13 of his points came during the final frame, when he connected on all three of his shot attempts while converting seven of eight from the charity stripe.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets posted back-to-back wins against the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. However, the Lakers beat them the second time around, defeating Denver 121-110 on Monday for their first win of the season.
Two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic scored a team-high 23 points along with notching 14 boards and six assists. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for a Nuggets squad that shot just 42.7 percent from the field. Now Denver is hoping to get back on track.
Here are my NBA picks and predictions for Thursday's Heat-Warriors game (odds via BetMGM, PointsBet, and DraftKings Sportsbook; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game Info
Date: Thursday, Nov. 3, 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Thunder vs. Nuggets Odds
Thunder vs. Nuggets Odds Analysis
The Denver Nuggets opened as a consensus 6.5-point favorite. That line hasn't moved, and the Nuggets are getting 58% of the cash and 67% of the tickets.
The Over/Under opened at 228.5 points and also hasn't moved, with the Under attracting 79% of the cash and 87% of the tickets.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Picks
Thunder vs. Nuggets ATS Pick
Thunder +6.5 (-107) ★★★
Oklahoma City has posted a 4-1 record over its last five games. The Thunder also hold a 4-1 record in their last five affairs against the spread. Additionally, the Thunder boast a 5-1 record ATS in their last six home games, and they've earned an 8-3 mark ATS during the team's previous 11 games against an opponent with a winning record.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are 3-2 during their last five games. Denver has posted a 2-3 record ATS, and the club is just 1-3 over its last four road games ATS.
Given those recent trends, take the Thunder and the points on Thursday.
Thunder vs. Nuggets O/U Pick
Under 228.5 (-110) ★★
These two teams have clashed five times since the beginning of the 2021-22 season. Denver has won three of those contests, including a 122-117 victory on Oct. 22.
The total has gone Over during three of Oklahoma City's last five games, and twice in the team's previous four home contests. On the other side, the Over has also hit during three of Denver's last five matchups.
However, the two teams have gone over 228.5 points only once over those most recent five head-to-head matchups. The Thunder and Nuggets are combining to average 227 points per contest in 2022-23. That's why you should go with the Under.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Prop Pick
Gilgeous-Alexander Over 27.5 (-105) ★★★★
Gilgeous-Alexander has played against the Nuggets 13 times in his career, and he's averaging 15.3 points per outing. Despite that trend, there are a couple of reasons to go with the Over on Thursday night.
The 24-year-old has increased his scoring output every year since he's been in the league. He's currently averaging 31.5 points per contest on 51.8 percent shooting, a career-best for the fifth-year point guard.
In addition to the 34 points he scored against the Magic on Monday night, Gilgeous-Alexander has notched at least 28 points in six of the team’s seven outings.
Where to Bet on Thunder vs. Nuggets Picks
Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:
Thunder-Nuggets picks made 11/3/2022 at 11:11 a.m. ET
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