NBA: Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder clash once again, only this time, the game takes place at the Paycom Center. Both teams have a 4-3 record right now, but we can say that it is much more surprising to see the Thunder in this position than the Nuggets. After three losses in a row, OKC went on to triumph in four consecutive contests. Denver and Nikola Jokic are doing well, and we have to remind everyone that Mike Malone needs to reintegrate Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr into the chemistry after their long pause.

Preview

Denver Nuggets (4-3, -220) lost the game in LA against the LA Lakers, days after beating the purple and gold in Denver. Jokic and the boys hoped to notch their third triumph in a row, but the LAL ended up beating the guests, 121-110.

The franchise from Colorado hit 15 threes in this one, but they allowed 52 boards to the Lakers. Jokic had 23 points and 14 boards, assisting six times. Murray looked good on the offensive side, despite shooting 9-for-21, adding 21 points, while Aaron Gordon scored 18 buckets.

MPJ also had a pretty low shooting percentage, 5-for-15, 3-for-10 from deep, for 17 points, grabbing nine boards, but as usual, having one assist. If he doesn’t improve his passing and awareness on the field, MPJ won’t fulfill his potential.

OKC Thunder (4-3, +165) nailed back-to-back wins at home against the Clippers, then beat the Dallas Mavericks on the road, before beating the Orlando Magic also in OKC, 116-108. They had a favorable schedule these days, and now comes the true test for these guys.

Following a clash against the Nuggets, they will have two consecutive road events in Milwaukee and Detroit. What was the reason for the wins is an extremely broad offensive potential. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the top star, but besides him, the Thunder has plenty of players who are able to drop 15 points.

SGA scored 34 against the Magic, 12-for-18, with six assists, while Aleksej Pokusevski came off the bench to add 16 points, nine boards, three blocks, and two steals. Poku is either an x-factor or doesn’t have a contribution at all. Lugentz Dort delivered 14 buckets, Tre Mann 13.

Head to Head Games

The Nuggets beat the Thunder a few days ago in Colorado, 122-117. OKC didn’t break down and was in the game until the very end. Jokic had a triple-double – 19 points, 16 boards, and 13 boards. MPJ had a team-high 22 points, Caldwell-Pope 21, and Murray 16. Gilgeous-Alexander led the guests with 28 buckets, while Mann had 18 off the bench. Josh Giddey was impressive with 19 buckets, 12 boards, and six dimes.

Prediction

The Nuggets are the favorites, and we believe they have what it takes to beat OKC, who is on fire, but overall, their victorious streak has to stop at some point. With all due respect, we have to side with the Nuggets because they have more consistency than the rivals, and, overall a better roster. Apart from this, our hunch forces us to pick the guests, because Denver always plays better in difficult circumstances.

Pick: Denver Nuggets win at -220