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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Free Betting Pick | May 18, 2025

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The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder will meet for Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The game will take place at the Paycom Center on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Fans can watch the game on ABC.

The Nuggets come into this game with a record of 7-6 in the playoffs. In their last game, they defeated the Thunder by 12 points, with Nikola Jokić scoring 29 points. Before that, they lost two games in a row to the Thunder, including a seven-point loss on May 13.

The Thunder hold a 7-3 playoff record. They lost their most recent game to the Nuggets but won the two games before that. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key player, scoring 32 points in their last game. The Thunder will look to use their home-court advantage in this decisive game.

Thunder Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. They have a postseason record of 7-3. At home, they have won 4 out of 5 games. Head Coach Mark Daigneault leads the team.

In the regular season, the Thunder had a strong record of 68-14. They ranked first in the Western Conference and Northwest Division. Their home record was 36-6. They have been performing well in the playoffs too.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a key player for the Thunder. In the postseason, he averages 28.4 points per game. He also contributes 6.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are also important players.

The Thunder’s offense is ranked third in points per game. They are first in possessions per game and field goal attempts per game. On defense, they allow 105.3 points per game, ranking fifth. Their field goal percentage allowed is the best in the league.

Nuggets Preview

The Denver Nuggets are in the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs. They have a postseason record of 7-6. At home, they have won 5 out of 7 games. Their away record stands at 2-4. In the regular season, they finished with a 50-32 record.

Nikola Jokić is a key player for the Nuggets. In the postseason, he leads the team with 26.7 points per game. He also averages 13 rebounds and 8.1 assists. His field goal percentage is 48.6%. Jamal Murray is another important player, scoring 22.5 points per game.

The Nuggets’ offense ranks 8th in points per game with 108.1. They attempt 86.7 field goals per game, ranking 8th. Their field goal percentage is 45.0, placing them 9th. They make 12 three-pointers per game, ranking 12th.

Defensively, the Nuggets allow 110.8 points per game, ranking 13th. They average 7.7 steals and 4.4 blocked shots per game. Opponents shoot 46.7% against them. They allow 12.1 three-pointers per game, ranking 8th.

Statistical Breakdown for Thunder vs Nuggets

The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets will be shaped by several key stats. The Thunder’s fast-paced offense, leading the league in possessions and field goal attempts, will challenge the Nuggets’ defense. The Thunder’s defense, allowing the fewest field goal percentage, will aim to limit the Nuggets’ scoring. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will rely on their strong rebounding to control the game flow.

  • Thunder Points Per Game: 116.3 (3rd)
  • Thunder Possessions Per Game: 100.5 (1st)
  • Thunder Field Goal Attempts Per Game: 93.7 (1st)
  • Thunder Field Goal Percentage Allowed: 41.4 (1st)
  • Nuggets Points Per Game: 108.1 (8th)
  • Nuggets Rebounds Per Game: 46.4 (3rd)
  • Nuggets Field Goal Percentage: 45.0 (9th)
  • Nuggets Points Per Game Allowed: 110.8 (13th)

Betting Insights

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set for an interesting game, with both teams showing different trends in the postseason. The Nuggets have been strong against the spread (ATS) as underdogs, while the Thunder have struggled on the road. For bettors, understanding these trends can be key. Here are the top five betting insights for this game:

  1. The Denver Nuggets have a 9-3 ATS record as underdogs in the 2025 postseason.
  2. Oklahoma City Thunder have a 0-5 ATS record on the road in the 2025 postseason.
  3. The Nuggets are on a 4-game ATS winning streak in the postseason.
  4. In the 2025 postseason, the Nuggets have gone over the total line 6 times and under 7 times.
  5. The Thunder have a 3-7 ATS record when favored in the 2025 postseason.

Free Betting Prediction for Thunder vs Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown strong performance at home, winning 4 out of 5 postseason games. Their fast-paced offense and solid defense make them tough to beat. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and playmaking will be key for the Thunder. Their ability to control the pace and limit the Nuggets’ scoring will be crucial.

The Denver Nuggets have been resilient as underdogs, with a 9-3 ATS record in the postseason. Nikola Jokić’s all-around game will be vital for the Nuggets. They will need to rely on their rebounding to control the game. Jamal Murray’s scoring will also be important in keeping the game close.

This game will likely be competitive, with both teams having strengths to leverage. The Thunder’s home advantage and strong defense give them an edge. However, the Nuggets’ ability to cover the spread as underdogs makes them a solid pick against the spread.

  • Our Free Prediction: Nuggets +8.0
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