Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
February 1, 2018
Date & Time: Thursday, February 1 @10:30 PM
Venue: Pepsi Center (Denver)
Head to head record
Oklahoma vs Denver 95-94 (2017/2018 NBA)
Denver vs Oklahoma 102-94 (2017/2018 NBA)
Denver vs Oklahoma 86-96 (2017/2018 NBA)
Oklahoma vs Denver 105-111 (2016/2017 NBA)
Denver vs Oklahoma 105-106 (2016/2017 NBA)
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
All eyes will be on Pepsi Center when Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder face each other in the NBA derby. Denver failed to spoil San Antonio’s party at AT&T Center on Tuesday and, no doubt, they are eager to return to winning ways.
Good home record
Denver Nuggets are fighting hard to book their place in the NBA play-offs. Denver sit in 8th position in the Western Conference ahead of the visit of Oklahoma City Thunder and they suffered back-to-back defeats to the likes of San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics in previous two games. Nuggets will have a big fish to fry in Thursday’s clash against Oklahoma City Thunder as well, but they are definitely capable of matching Russell Westbrook and Co. in front of home fans. Michael Malone’s men have not been impressive on the road this season, but they are tough to beat at home and you should know that they are eyeing their 20th home win of the season. Serbia international Nikola Jokic is enjoying yet another season to remember and the former Megaleks star, who has been averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds this term, is likely to pose a big threat for Thunder.
Mason Plumlee and Wilson Chandler are both rated doubtful and the duo will be assessed on the game day, whereas the likes of Tyler Lydon and Paul Millsap are definitely out of contention with injury.
Defeat to Wizards – a warning for Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder did well to crush star-studded Cleveland Cavaliers 148-124 earlier in January and they were on an eight-game winning run ahead of Tuesday’s game against Washington Wizards. Despite being regard as favourites to win the match, Billy Donovan’s men suffered a 102-96 loss to the capital club. Oklahoma aim to bounce back from the defeat and a win over Denver Nuggets will see them cement fifth position in the Western Conference. Russell Westbrook is undisputedly the team’s key player and the 29-year-old superstar is likely to make life difficult for Nuggets. Westbrook failed to impress in the defeat to Wizards, with the point guard scoring no more than 13 points in Tuesday’s clash, but he is widely expected to shine against Denver as a high-scoring game is on the cards. In their last meeting at Pepsi Center Nuggets defeated Thunder and, no doubt, Billy Donovan’s charges are hungry for revenge.
Andre Roberson is sidelined with a knee injury and he is out for the season. However, coach Billy Donovan has no other injury worries ahead of the trip to Denver.
Interesting Facts
- Denver recorded three wins in last four home games in NBA
- Russell Westbrook scored 38 points in a 95-94 win over Nuggets in Decembet
- Oklahoma recorded eight wins in previous nine games in the league
- Nuggets scored 100+ points in five of their last six home matches
- Thunder scored 365 points in total in previous three away games in NBA
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder betting pick
Both Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are determined to return to winning ways and a lively contest is on the horizon. However, given Oklahoma’s recent form and seeing that Nuggets often struggle in matches against top-table sides, I am tempted to put my money on the visitors. Taking everything into account, the likes of Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook are likely to give fans a reason for celebration on Thursday evening.
Pick: Oklahoma to win
Odds: -120
