On Sunday, 05/18, the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder (3-3) will host the Denver Nuggets (3-3) in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Nuggets refused to yield to the top seed and completed an impressive 12-point win (119-107) in Game 6. Who will come on top in this exciting win-or-go-home scenario? Find the spread, total, and player props predictions here.
Where to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
- Time: 3:30 PM (ET)
- Venue: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City)
- Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass. It will also be available on TNT.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Game 6 Lineups, Sneak Peek
The Nuggets show their experience again
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets have been one of the peskiest teams in the playoff field for a while now. They have done a wonderful job of forcing a Game 7 in the West Semi-Finals for the second straight year.
During Game 6, the Thunder had a 3-point lead at the half as the scoreline read 61-58. But as they often do, Denver had some terrific adjustments for the second half. They jumped to a 10-2 run late in the third quarter and entered the final quarter with a 8-point lead.
The Nuggets’ bench stepped up as Russell Westbrook and Julian Strwather made key shots to seal the deal. Denver did a fantastic job of capturing the free-throw advantage. They made 27 free throws in 32 tries, compared to the Thunder’s 10/16 effort.
Nikola Jokic led with 29 points, whereas Jamal Murray had 25. But perhaps the biggest difference-maker was Christian Braun, who had 23 points. This helped negate Aaron Gordon’s terrible 2/7 shooting night. Meanwhile, Strawther had the best performance of his postseason career, with 15 points.
On the other hand, the Thunder’s ace Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his job with 32 points. Chet Holmgren had 19, but the rest of the lineup had a disappointing night, especially Jalen Williams, who shot a horrible 3/16.
The Nuggets’ defense has kept a tight leash on Williams’ offensive objectives. The Thunder bench stepped up again, but the Nuggets’ trio’s 20+ points performance was too much to handle.
The bench could play a pivotal role in Game 7, and Denver would hope that the duo of Westbrook and Strawther show their chops once again. Meanwhile, the Thunder would want a better effort from Williams who has underperformed massively. He is due a big game.
Nuggets Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Michael Porter Jr. | PF: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic
Key bench players: PG: Russell Westbrook.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing to report as such.
Thunder Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Shai-Gilgeous Alexander | SG: Luguentz Dort | SF: Jalen Williams | SF: Chet Holmgren | C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key bench players: SG: Cason Wallace, SG: Alex Caruso, SG: Aaron Wiggins.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets
The series has seen all sorts of twists and turns when it comes to the total. For example, in Game 4, we had just 179 points, while Game 2 had produced 255 points. On the other hand, three straight games have gone to the “Under” mark before returning to the “over” mark in Game 6.
But overall, this series has seen higher scores than the rest of the series in the Semi-Final round. As for Game 7, the bookmakers are leaning towards the lower side of scoring.
They assigned identical odds around 217 points for Game 6 but have now lowered it to 212-213. It’s surprising as Game 6 went past 220, but the bookmarks have usually been spot-on in this series. As for me, I’d go for “Over” for the third straight time.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Player Props Predictions- NBA Betting Picks
Nikola Jokic to grab over 13.5 rebounds: Jokic has been the best rebounder throughout the series. He cleared 14 boards in Game 6 and has accumulated 13 or more boards in five of the last six games. The Joker has been a safe bet when it comes to “over” for rebounding, and I believe it will hold here as well.
Chet Holmgren to grab over 9.5 rebounds: The lanky big forward has also done the job on the rebounding end. He is averaging 10.8 RPG for the series and has gone “Over” the mark in four of the six instances. I see him doing it again.
Jamal Murray to score over 22.5 points: Murray has been electric as an offensive option and has been a major reason why the Nuggets have been alive in the series. He had 25 points in Game 6 and has scored 25 or more in three of the last four games. I expect him to continue his superb rhythm
Main pick: Points: Nikola Jokic O 13.5 Rebounds for -145 at BetMGM
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Game 6 Prediction- NBA Betting Lines
This series was expected to go all the way. Both teams have shown their best and worst thus far. Nikola Jokic has had some terrible stretches, but the Thunder haven’t taken full advantage of them.
As a result, the Joker has found his rhythm, and the Thunder must be wondering if they could have done a better job of locking down Jamal Murray, who has filled the void during the Joker’s struggles.
The Nuggets are surely hanging on due to their playoff experience, while OKC has left the door ajar way too often despite being a much better defensive team.
As for Game 7, I see the Nuggets showing their veteran status in full flow and closing the book on the #1 seed. The bookmakers favor the Thunder to win by 7+ points, but scratch that, I trust in Jokic. I am going for the ML, which is a risky gambit compared to going for the spread of +6.5-+7.5 but I have a strong feeling about the Nuggets’ success.
Bettling Lines:
- Total: 212.5. O:-115. U: -105 (BetMGM)
- Spread: Thunder -8.5: -114. Nuggets +8.5: -106 (FanDuel)
- Player Props: Aaron Gordon: 16.5 Points. O: -120. U: -110 (BetMGM)
Spread/Money Line Pick: Money Line: Denver Nuggets for +280 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing- Imagn Images
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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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