Thunder vs. Nuggets Prediction and Odds: OKC on the Road After Massive Win

Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinal playoff series tips off on Friday night! After a devastating loss, Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, after stealing home court advantage. For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

For the best NBA game previews, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season! New sports bettors supporting their hometown Denver Nuggets can take advantage of the top Colorado sportsbook promos and bonuses before their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder tips off!

The Denver Nuggets return to their home court on Friday night, after suffering a devastating 43-point loss in Game 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to retake control of the series and home court advantage after levelling the series behind another MVP-worthy performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Ahead of the weekend, there’ll be a massive shift in the chase for the Western Conference Finals–Game 3 tips off at 10:00 PM EST at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Oklahoma City Thunder -5.0 (-110) at FanDuel

The Thunder and Nuggets have been competitive all season, splitting their six meetings across the regular season and playoffs. The point differential has always favored the Thunder, though, as their offense, when engaged, has been too much for Denver to handle. Expect another excellent offensive showing by the Thunder, as the rigors of the postseason, their lack of depth, and the quality of their opponent seem to have caught up with Denver after a Game 1 upset.

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Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder, after a Game 1 gaffe late, stepped up to dominate Game 2 and level the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way, but as it was all season, the Thunder’s quality in depth won them the day. On the road for Games 3 and 4, expect the Thunder to try and come out strong early once again.

The Thunder dominated Game 2 from tip-off, opening the quarter with 45 points on 71.4% shooting. They didn’t slow the pace for the rest of the game, scoring 149 points on 56.2% shooting while hitting 16 threes on 44.4% efficiency. Their passing game was the difference maker, assisting on 31 of 50 made field goals. While their efficiency is unlikely to be maintained, their ball security-just nine turnovers-and playmaking will be the first steps to a 2-1 series lead.

Oklahoma City were the best team against the spread this season, posting a 56-29-4 ATS Record, the top mark in the league. They boast a 65.9% cover percentage, a +13.0 margin of victory, and a +3.8 ATS +/-. The Thunder dominated the odds table in Game 2, covering the spread (-10.5), hitting over the total (230.0), and winning outright (-485).

There were many standout performers for the Thunder in their Game 2 blowout, but none more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up 34 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and one made three on 11-of-13 shooting. Young stars Chet Holmgren and Halen Williams also stepped up, combining for 32 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists after a tough Game 1 showing. They’ll rely on their bench again in Game 3, after they combined for 57 in their Game 2 victory.

Regarding the Oklahoma City Thunder injury report, (G) Nikola Topic (Knee) is out for the season.

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Denver Nuggets Preview

The Denver Nuggets will try to recover from an embarrassing showing in Game 2. After being blown out by 43 points in Game 2, the Nuggets return to Denver to try to retake the series lead on home court. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that their star players didn’t play heavy minutes in Game 2, but Denver will need two-way quality as much as fresh legs to win Game 3.

The Nuggets struggled from tip-off in Game 2, as they were held to just 106 points and lost by a whopping 43 points. They struggled due to inefficient shooting (37.9%) and a high turnover count (21). A positive was their three-point shooting, hitting 15 with 40.5% efficiency. Despite their paint dominance in Game 1, they were outrebounded by 6 in Game 2, and they must stay competitive in the early phases of the game if they hope to take a series lead.

Denver were among the lower third of the NBA against the spread this season, posting a 42-47-2 ATS Record, 22nd in the league. They have a 47.2% cover percentage, a +3.0 margin of victory, and a -0.1 ATS +/-. The Nuggets hit over the total (230.0) in their Game 2 blowout loss.

The Denver Nuggets struggled in Game 2, but veteran Russell Westbrook led them off the bench with 19 points, five assists, and one made three in 21 minutes. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 31 points, 12 rounds, seven assists, and five made threes–a mark they must improve on to find victory on Friday night. Game 1 hero Aaron Gordon struggled and must find his feet in Game 3, after contributing 10 points and five rebounds on 3-of-12 shooting in his previous match.

Regarding the Denver Nuggets injury report, (C) DaRon Holmes (Achilles) is out for the season.

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How to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

• Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

• Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO

• Date: 10:00 PM, Friday, May 9, 2025

• TV: ESPN