Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets: Thunder is struggling, Nuggets need a winning streak

COVID-19 has been disrupting the rhythm of the NBA world once again but the Association has ensured that the action keeps going. Anyway, here we are, discussing the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets in a Western Conference battle. Thunder has lost three in a row and has lost 25 games and has 13 wins, sitting among the bottom teams in the Western Conference Table. On the other hand, the Nuggets have 19 wins and 18 losses, largely on the back of their ace and the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The Thunder has been struggling due to their youth while the Nuggets have done well because they have a decent number of experienced players. Can the Thunder flip the tables and snap their losing streak? To know my total and game result prediction, jump to “Expert Betting Tips”.

Thunder’s form: Thunder has lost the last three games and five out of the last six games. Well, it is expected from a team that has rookies, sophomores or largely unestablished players in the lineup, plus the team has little-to-no bench depth. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the team in scoring but his shooting efficiency has gone down significantly recently, perhaps due to Oklahoma City’s predictable offense. On the other hand, Dort has fared even worse, and has shot as low as 16% during some games and as a second/third option, that is not going to get it done. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey has been having an unbelievable rookie campaign, notching triple doubles and also increasing his scoring range with each month, he has been incredible in providing a lift reobunding wise to a team that needs it desperately. Aaron Wiggins has emerged as a 10+ points scoring option but offensively, Thunder has had some colossal failures this month.

Nuggets can get it rolling: I feel with Nikola Jokic at the helm, who leads this team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, the Nuggets can get to a 60% record soon. To aid Jokic, Aaron Gordon has raised his scoring range and has been dipping 15 or more regularly. Monte Morris can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting and scoring, meanwhile, Will Barton, despite his falling production, at least presents a double-digit scoring option. Meanwhile, off the bench, Facundo Campazzo has continued to give lovely dimes, handing over 5 or more assists. Jeff Green and JaMychal Green have been a tad inconsistent, but can give some decent nights. Bones Hyland off the bench has been a X-Factor but yes, the team does lack a dynamic scorer who can put up 20 or more apart from Nikola. But I believe the Nuggets need to fix their defense more than offense and if that side is fixed, they can surely win more and once Jamal Murray returns, they can have a sturdy lineup while the team prays for the return of Aaron Gordon.

Points Range: Well, the Nuggets have scored 109 or more in three of the last four games. Away from home, their potential to score 110 or so can decrease. Despite giving away 135 against the Timberwolves, the Thunder has been decent defensively, sometimes even keeping the teams below 100. Still, I don’t believe they have anyone who can guard Nikola Jokic one-on-one and he will be revved up after a 33 points outing versus the Kings. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort will need to figure out a way to be more efficient or the team will continue to score 95 or so time and time again. Perhaps, Giddey and Wiggins can take it up a bit more further and increase the team’s potential to score. I believe the Nuggets can breach the 105 points mark here and Jokic will have a big night I suppose. I also think the Thunder can get past around 100 at least. I think the total points range here is 207-217.

Prediction: The Thunder is due a win and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is also due one of those 25+ nights, will this be the game where he makes it happen? Let us see. On the other hand, I doubt the Thunder can guard Jokic and if he doesn’t get 25 or so, he can attract enough defenders to set-up his teammates for high-quality shots. Josh Giddey is going to be an X-Factor here but I think he can be vulnerable on offense at times. I think this is a game where either one among Will Barton(who is due a big since a loooong time) or Monte Morris will go past at least 16(if they play). I think the Nuggets have a 65% chance of winning this and will take this 110:101 with Jokic getting 26+ points and 8+ assists. 

• Handicap: 2 -7.5 for 2.05;
• Player Props: Total Points- Nikola Jokic Over 27.5 for 2.00;
• Player Props: Player Points: Will Barton Over 15.5 for 1.95.