Thunder vs Nuggets Picks and Prediction – 10/25/2024

In the second game of a Thursday night NBA on TNT doubleheader, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets will square off from Ball Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Thunder (57-25) finished tied with Denver for the best record in the Western Conference and were eliminated by Dallas in the second round of the playoffs. Oklahoma City ranked third in the NBA in offensive efficiency and averaged 120.1 points per game. 

All-Star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 ppg) is the focal point of the offense and led the Thunder with 6.2 assists per game. PF Chet Holmgren (7.9 rpg) played in all 82 games and has the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Jalen Williams was second on the team in scoring (19.1 ppg) and is an elite perimeter defender. 

The Denver Nuggets have a tremendous home court advantage playing at altitude and won 33 of their 41 home games a season ago. The Nuggets ranked sixth in the league in offensive efficiency and were bounced by Minnesota in seven games during the second round of the playoffs. Nikola Jokic (26.4 ppg) has won three of the previous four NBA MVP awards and nearly averaged a triple-double. 

The Nuggets lost Kentavious-Caldwell Pope to Orlando in free agency and are hoping that veteran G Russell Westbrook can provide an additional explosive element to the offense. Aaron Gordon (13.9 ppg) and Michael Porter Jr. (16.7) ppg) are solid starters in the front court. However, Denver will go as far as clutch playoff performer Jamal Murray (21.2 ppg) can take them. 

Oklahoma City C Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a fractured left hand and will be re-evaluated in 5-6 weeks. The Thunder have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, but will have no answer for Jokic in this matchup. Take the Nuggets to win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Denver Nuggets win 117-109.