Nuggets vs Thunder Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 5/5/25
J.A. Cavalier- May 5
- 3 min read
DENVER @ OKLAHOMA CITY (OKC -9.5, 225.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
NUGGETS @ THUNDER 5/5/25
The fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets travel to Oklahoma City to face the top-seeded Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder easily defeated Memphis in four games, while the Nuggets defeated the Clippers in a taxing seven-game series.
Following an exhausting series, the Nuggets defeated the Clippers 120-101 on Saturday night to advance to the Western Conference semifinals after dominating Game 7 at home. From the second quarter on, the Nuggets controlled the game and extended their lead to 35 points. With 22 points, Aaron Gordon led the way, followed by teammate Christian Braun, who scored 21 points. With 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists on Saturday, Nikola Jokic played a more complementary role.
In Game 1 tonight, the Nuggets will need to prepare for a Thunder squad that will be well-rested. During their four meetings this season, the two teams split all four games, with both winning on the opposing team's home court. Denver had a +15 margin of victory in both of its wins. This season, the Nuggets were one of the most productive and high-scoring teams in the NBA. As of right now, they rank seventh in the playoffs in terms of scoring. The Nuggets rank third in three-point shooting and fourth in field goal shooting. They are only 12th in the playoffs in three-point field goals per game, so they don't rely on the three-point shot very much.
In the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Thunder proved why they were the top seed. Beginning with a 51-point thumping in game one in Oklahoma City, they swept the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in four games. More than a week ago, the Thunder defeated Memphis 117-115 to end the series. The Thunder trailed by as many as 29 points in that game. Since the stat's inception in 1996–97, the comeback was the second-largest NBA postseason. Jalen Williams scored 26 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points.
The Thunder will have home-court advantage for as long as they are in the playoffs after winning an NBA-best 68 games this season. With two decisive victories, they split the season series with the Nuggets. In the two victories, the Thunder scored 39 more points than Denver. So far in the playoffs, they rank second in terms of scoring. The Thunder rank 14th in three-point shooting and sixth in field goal shooting. However, they rank seventh in the playoffs in terms of three-point field goals per game. In terms of points allowed per game, the Thunder's defense ranks fourth in the playoffs.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
GAME TOTAL OVER 225.5
Both teams have shown the ability to score. OKC scored 114 or more points in all four games against Memphis. Denver hit 120-plus in two of the last three against LA. The Thunder’s net rating in their first round series was +19.8. Denver allowed 110 or more points in 3 of its last 4 games against the Clippers. Two of the last three head-to-head meetings went Over the total and the Over has cashed in 6 of the last 9 road games for the Nuggets.
