Nuggets vs Thunder Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 5/13/25
J.A. Cavalier- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
DENVER @ OKLAHOMA CITY (OKC -10.5, 221.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
Nuggets vs Thunder 5/13/25
The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to clash in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinals series tonight at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. With the series tied 2-2.
Oklahoma City secured a gritty 92-87 win in Denver, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 25 points. The Thunder’s defense stifled Nikola Jokić, holding him to 7-of-22 shooting from the field.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27.5 points per game in the series, SGA has been the Thunder’s offensive leader. His ability to get to the free-throw line (9+ attempts per game) has been critical. Isaiah Hartenstein has been a force on the boards, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He also contributed 14 rebounds in Game 3. Jalen Williams has been inconsistent but remains a key contributor, averaging 21 points per game in the playoffs.
The Thunder are 38-7 at home this season, including the playoffs, and their role players tend to perform better in front of their home crowd.
The Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, are no strangers to high-pressure situations. However, Jokić has struggled in this series, shooting just 33.3% from the field over the last three games. Denver’s offense faltered in Game 3, shooting just 31% from the field. Jokić led the team with 27 points and 13 rebounds, but his inefficiency and lack of support from the bench were glaring issues.
Nikola Jokić is averaging 24.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in the playoffs but has been held below 40% shooting in three consecutive games. Jamal Murray has been inconsistent, scoring 27 points in Game 2 but only 17 in Game 3. He’ll need to step up for Denver to have a chance. Aaron Gordon has been a bright spot, averaging 18.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in the playoffs. His physicality will be crucial against Oklahoma City’s frontcourt.
Denver is 26-20 on the road this season, including the playoffs, and has struggled to match Oklahoma City’s energy in their home arena.
Oklahoma City has done an excellent job of limiting Jokić’s efficiency, using physicality and double-teams to disrupt his rhythm. Jokić must find ways to adjust and involve his teammates more effectively. SGA has been the most consistent offensive player in this series. His ability to penetrate the defense and draw fouls will be a key factor in Game 5. Oklahoma City’s bench outscored Denver’s 35-14 in Game 3. The Nuggets will need more production from their reserves to stay competitive.
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FREE PICKS:
Isaiah Hartenstein - Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds
Hartenstein has hit this line in 70% of his last 10 games and is averaging 20.3 points + rebounds over the last 20 games.
Aaron Gordon - Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds
Gordon has been a consistent performer, hitting this line in three of four games in this series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Over 27.5 Points
SGA has scored 30+ points in three of four home games against Denver this season.
Jalen Williams - Over 4.5 Assists
Williams has hit this line in 80% of his last 10 games and is averaging 5.1 assists over that span
