Following a heartbreaking loss to open their series, the Thunder exacted revenge on the Nuggets in Game 2. Oklahoma City dominated en route to a 149-106 victory on Wednesday, looking absolutely unstoppable for 48 minutes. Now, the two teams will face off in Denver for a pivotal Game 3.
The Thunder enter tonight’s contest as 5.5-point favorites over the Nuggets, with the over/under set at 232.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Betting Splits
It’s not a shock to see the public lean heavily towards the Thunder after Game 2’s blowout victory. Oklahoma City dominated from the opening tip, putting up an NBA-record 87 first half points. It wasn’t just poor defense that doomed the Nuggets; sloppy ball-handling led to a -11 turnover margin. Six of those came from Nikola Jokic, who fouled out during the third quarter. Right now, 67% of the handle and 60% of all wagers on the moneyline are backing the Thunder. OKC is 54-28-4 ATS as a betting favorite this season.
The splits on the spread are even more disparate than the moneyline. 86% of the handle and 66% of all bets expect the Thunder to win by at least six points. Over the last six meetings between these squads, only two games have been decided by less than 13 points. The Nuggets are 3-3 ATS as a home underdog this season.
As for tonight’s total, 55% of all bets are supporting the over. The high number isn’t unreasonable; only one of the six games between Denver and OKC has had less than 230 combined points. However, sharp money expects a lower-scoring affair, with 66% of the handle on the under.
Most Popular Player Props
Here are the five player props in tonight’s matchup receiving the most bets:
- Russell Westbrook over 13.5 points (-115)
- Aaron Gordon under 1.5 three-pointers made (-130)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 13.5 rebounds + assists (-120)
- Nikola Jokic first points scorer (+650)
- Nikola Jokic triple-double (+100)
Leading the way tonight is none other than Russell Westbrook, Denver’s over-qualified sixth man. The former MVP is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get. Still, Russ’s high-octane play style generates fast breaks on a Nuggets team that often needs a jolt of energy. The veteran has been solid this postseason, averaging 15.0 points on 45.1% shooting from the field. Westbrook has scored at least 14 points in seven of his last eight appearances.
If anyone other than Jokic has been the MVP for Denver in these NBA playoffs, it’s Aaron Gordon. The power forward has recorded two game-winners already, most recently a dramatic three-pointer against the Thunder in Game 1. However, the 29-year-old isn’t exactly a sharpshooter. Through nine outings this postseason, Gordon has hit multiple three-pointers only three times.
The Thunder are a well-oiled machine, stocked to the brim with high-level role players. With that being said, Oklahoma City would fall apart without its face of the franchise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The guard put together an MVP campaign this season, posting 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists. However, over SGA’s last eight meetings with the Nuggets, he’s reached 13 assists + rebounds only three times.
Finally, we have none other than Nikola Jokic rounding out the final two spots on tonight’s player prop list. The center had a disappointing outing on Wednesday, recording 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists while shooting 37.5% from the field. However, he’s had plenty of recent success against the Thunder. Over Jokic’s last five meetings with OKC, he’s averaged 28.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and 9.0 assists. Keeping that in mind, the NBA’s triple-double leader could deliver another phenomenal stat line on Friday.
