Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – The upcoming clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams showcase impressive records this season. With the Nuggets at 32-15 and the Thunder just ahead at 32-13, this game is set to be a pivotal moment in the Western Conference. Key players such as Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder are expected to play significant roles. This matchup is drawing considerable attention from basketball fans and bettors alike, making it a prime focus for the best betting sites in Canada.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET
Location: Paycom Center
TV: BSOK
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Nuggets | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Thunder | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Denver Nuggets Analysis
The Denver Nuggets enter this contest boasting one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA, averaging 115.1 points per game on 49.6% shooting. Their team is led by a multi-talented big man, Nikola Jokic, averaging a triple-double with 26.3 points, 12 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams with his unique scoring and playmaking ability.
The Nuggets have excellent perimeter shooting as a team, knocking down 37.1% of their 3-point attempts. They also crash the offensive glass well, using second chance points to fuel their scoring. However, the offense can struggle with over-dribbling at times, lacking secondary playmaking from its injured guard.
Defensively, the Nuggets have been middling, allowing teams to shoot near 50% from the field. They lack a true perimeter stopper and their absence of key defenders has impacted the team defense as a whole. Dynamic guards have had big nights against this porous Nuggets perimeter defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder Analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this matchup boasting one of the NBA’s most dynamic young offensive units. They average 121.6 points per game on 50.4% shooting, fueled by a breakneck pace of play. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league’s 7th ranked scoring offense with 31.1 points per game on highly efficient 50/36/87 shooting splits.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have received major contributions from Lu Dort (14 ppg) and Josh Giddey (16 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg). Dort acts as the team’s primary perimeter defender while providing valuable floor spacing with his 36% 3-point shooting. Giddey has already established himself as one of the league’s most skilled young playmakers in just his second NBA season.
While the offense hums along efficiently, defense remains a major work in progress. OKC allows opponents to score 115 ppg on 50.4% shooting, both bottom 10 marks league-wide. They lack discipline and communication defensively at times, often relying too heavily on their raw athleticism. Interior defense is also major weakness, as the Thunder allow the 4th most points in the paint per game this season.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Against the Spread
The Nuggets have struggled against the spread lately, covering in just 1 of their previous 5 contests. However, they have fared better on the road, going 8-16 ATS away from home. 9 of their last 22 home games have also gone over the total.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have been solid against the number, covering in 4 of their past 5 outings. They also boast an impressive 14-8 ATS record in road games. The over has hit in 12 of their last 22 games in OKC.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder. Given their impressive home record and consistent performance against the spread, the Thunder are the safer pick.
Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder. Their ability to cover spreads, especially at home, gives them the edge over the Nuggets.
Total: Over. Both teams should have no issues trading baskets efficiently. Expect some fireworks between these Western Conference foes battling it out.
Predicted Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 120, Denver Nuggets 113
In conclusion, the Oklahoma City Thunder seems to be the more reliable tips for NBA betting picks in this matchup. Their consistent performance, both offensively and defensively, coupled with their ability to cover spreads at home, gives them an edge over the Denver Nuggets. Bettors looking for a solid pick should consider the Thunder, especially in a high-scoring game where their offensive efficiency could be the deciding factor.
