Nuggets vs Thunder Prediction, Picks and Odds for NBA Semifinals Game 1

I know, it’s Monday, but don’t let that ruin your day – we have the Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder to kick off round two of the NBA Playoffs. With both teams bringing potent offenses, this will be a must-watch. Not to mention the last matchup that Denver won by 13 points.

Will the Thunder redeem themselves and cover the NBA lines? Take your lunch break now – I’m breaking it all down and finding the best bets to place.

Nuggets vs Thunder NBA Semifinals Prediction

The Nuggets may have just demolished the Los Angeles Clippers with a 19-point win in Game 7, but now they’re up against a scrappy Thunder defense that thrives on chaos, averaging 10.8 steals per game. While center Nikola Jokic and the Denver offense will likely get theirs and keep things close, I see Oklahoma City improving its NBA futures odds by turning up the pressure, disrupting Denver’s offensive flow and creating havoc on the defensive end.

Thunder 123, Nuggets 116

Nuggets vs Thunder Best Player Props Today

• Russell Westbrook 12+ Points (-104)

The Nuggets’ offense has its work cut out tonight, and they’ll need all the veteran help they can get – which is why I have PG Russell Westbrook for 112+ points in my NBA prop bets today. Westbrook has been vital so far this postseason for Denver, coming off three straight 14+ point performances. Now, going up against a tough Thunder perimeter defense, Denver will need to feed Westbrook and let him hunt for his shot.

• Luguentz Dort Under 8.5 Points (-102)

Oklahoma City’s main task? Keeping Denver’s offense out of rhythm – and who better for the job than guard Luguentz Dort? He’s been the Thunder’s defensive anchor all season, and for my NBA expert picks, I like him to finish under 8.5 points. He already plays a minor role in the team’s offense, and if they want to prevent Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray from getting open looks, the Thunder will need Dort to focus on defense.

• Michael Porter Jr. Over 12.5 Points (-108)

This may make you scratch your head a bit, but I’m banking on shooting forward Michael Porter Jr. to score over 12.5 points for another NBA player prop pick tonight. Think about it: Oklahoma City will have its defensive attention on Murray and Jokic, which should free up the sharpshooter for clean looks. Factor in Porter hitting this mark in four previous matchups, and I like his odds to make it five straight.

Bet These Nuggets vs Thunder Player Props Here

Nuggets vs Thunder Moneyline Pick

The Nuggets may have had the last laugh against Oklahoma City in the last matchup, but don’t expect that this time around. Denver’s offensive depth will keep things competitive, but the Thunder’s defense is built to disrupt high-scoring offenses like the Nuggets, forcing bad passes and creating turnovers. Hear me out, I’m anticipating a tight game, but based on the NBA news today and their track record, I’m rolling with the Thunder on the moneyline.

Bet on Thunder ML (-430)

Nuggets vs Thunder Spread Pick

I’m a little surprised the NBA spread is sitting at 9.5 points. Sure, Oklahoma City’s defense will cause some problems for Denver’s potent two-man game with Jokic and Murray – but let’s not pretend this Nuggets offense doesn’t come loaded with scoring weapons. I like the Thunder to edge it out, but 9.5 points feels too generous, even with home-court advantage. I’m backing Denver to cover and make it interesting.

Bet on Denver ATS (+9.5)

Nuggets vs Thunder Over/Under Pick

The last time these two met, they crushed the over by 26.5 points. While I’m not anticipating that kind of explosion, I still see this game hitting the over. Even if the Thunder lock in defensively, there are just too many scoring threats on both teams for this game to fall short of 226 points. These NBA matchups tend to start slow, but by the second quarter, expect a back-and-forth shootout. Bet the over.

Bet on Nuggets vs Thunder Over 226

Nuggets vs Thunder How to Watch

• Game: Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
• Date/Time: Monday, May 5, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Nuggets vs Thunder Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Get the latest Nuggets vs Thunder stats here.

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Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets

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