Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder Prediction and Betting Tips - May 5 | 2025 NBA Playoffs, Game 1

Round 2 of the Western Conference playoffs opens tonight! MVP contenders Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will go head-to-head as the Denver Nuggets travel to face the OKC Thunder in Game 1.

The Nuggets punched their ticket by outlasting the LA Clippers in a grueling seven-game series, while the Thunder cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies with a dominant sweep.

Here’s a preview of Game 1 of the Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder second-round series, scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

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Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Nuggets (+330) vs Thunder (-425)

Spread: Nuggets +9.5 (-110) vs Thunder -9.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Nuggets o225.5 (-110) vs Thunder u225.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder preview

Denver comes in fresh off a taxing Game 7 win over the Clippers just two days ago, while OKC has enjoyed over a week of rest since sweeping the Grizzlies.

This marks the second time in these playoffs that the Thunder enter a series with extra res — something that clearly helped them dominate Memphis in a 131-80 blowout in their first-round opener.

However, the Nuggets are no easy task. They're led by battle-tested veterans and bring the experience of a championship core.

The regular-season series between these teams was split 2-2. The Thunder took the opener 102-87 in October, while Denver responded with a 124-122 win in November. In March, the teams exchanged blowouts — OKC winning 127-102, and the Nuggets countering with a 140-127 victory.

Defensively, the Thunder stood out in Round 1 with a league-best 97.6 defensive rating. Denver ranked 11th at 115.9. On offense, OKC tied for third with a 117.4 offensive rating, while the Nuggets ranked seventh at 115.3.

With both teams led by MVP candidates, this will be OKC’s first true playoff test. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had some ups and downs in the first round, Nikola Jokic was a steady force — and their individual battles could determine who advances.

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Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder predicted starting lineups

Nuggets

G - Jamal Murray | G - Christian Braun | F - Michael Porter Jr. | F - Aaron Gordon | C - Nikola Jokic

Thunder

G - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G - Jalen Williams | F - Lu Dort| F - Chet Holmgren | C - Isaiah Hartenstein

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

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Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder betting props

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander O/U 32.5 points – Take the under.
• Nikola Jokic O/U 27.5 points – Take the under.
• Jalen Williams O/U 21.5 points – Take the over.
• Jamal Murray O/U 20.5 points– Take the over.

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Denver Nuggets vs OKC Thunder prediction

This shapes up to be a clash of Western Conference titans. But with OKC’s energy, depth, and extra rest, they’re favored to come out fast and take control early.

Our prediction: Thunder win by 12.