This series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder stands out in a second round full of 3-1 deficits, injuries and big upsets. Aside from a colossal blowout in Game 2, this series has been as tight as it gets.
In so many ways, this feels like an inflection point in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets have been the biggest playoff threat for the last two years and aren’t going anywhere. Over that time, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been amassing talent, seeking to establish dominance in the West.
There’s also the player level. Nikola Jokic has won three of the last four MVPs, with one second-place finish. He’s surely locked into second place at worst with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seeking to capture his first award. Nobody doubts that Jokic is the best player in this league, but Gilgeous-Alexander could earn the crown in the eyes of many with an MVP and a championship in the same year. It’s safe to say more is on the line than just a Western Conference Finals appearance here.
Chet Holmgren is an integral part of deciding this series. The former second overall pick is rightfully regarded as an excellent defender, but his lack of offensive contribution in the series has been noteworthy. Will he be able to step up and help move the Thunder toward their goal? Or will it be a second straight offseason of questions and doubts in Oklahoma City?
The Thunder enter as 10-point home favorites with -440 odds on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 221. Let’s take a look at Holmgren’s best bets for Thursday night.
Best Chet Holmgren Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Chet Holmgren 12+ Rebounds (+175)
If there’s one thing Holmgren has done in this series, it’s rebounding the basketball. The 23-year-old has pulled down 46 boards across four games. In a series marked by physical play and a lot of missed shots, every rebound is crucial, and plenty are up for grabs.
I don’t expect a repeat performance of the shooting we saw in Game 4. Who could, anyway? Not every day do you see two NBA playoff teams start 1-for-23 from three-point range. Regardless, Holmgren will be in the paint for plenty of misses, and his ability to inhale those misses has been a key to Oklahoma City surviving this series thus far. I’m counting on him to gobble up the boards again tonight.
