NBA Postseason Matchup Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets in 2024-25 Playoffs, Predictions, and Picks Detailed
Going Head-to-Head: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
The Western Conference Semifinals of the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs see the clash of the Thunder and the Nuggets, both hungry for a spot in the Conference Finals. Here's a lowdown on this scintillating series. And don't forget to check out our NBA Playoffs Betting Guide, a one-stop shop for all our playoff wagering content!
Thunder vs. Nuggets Series Preview
I agreed with Denver's decision to part ways with Mike Malone more than most. Malone was terrific with the Nuggets, but sometimes coaches can lose their touch in the locker room. Malone's reputation for being hard to work with made David Adelman, a highly respected assistant, a perfect fit. The Nuggets struggled defensively and wished to evaluate Adelman before the offseason. Crucial when considering Adelman's upcoming interview opportunities to lead other franchises.
However, my prediction of the Clippers going further didn't pan out, and I underestimated the resurgence of the Nuggets. While I still think Denver is a better team than they were three weeks ago, I foresee them falling short in this contest.
The Thunder have meticulously assembled a team designed to disrupt the Nuggets. Ivica Zubac handled Nikola Jokic well in the first round, and the Thunder boast numerous All-NBA caliber defenders to neutralize the rest of the Nuggets. Realistically, the most attackable player in Oklahoma City's starting lineup is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a stellar defensive season. Mark Daigneault likely won't ask Gilgeous-Alexander to guard Jamal Murray, Denver's top perimeter scorer. So, Murray may stalk Gilgeous-Alexander, but it won't be as frequent as he'd like, and Gilgeous-Alexander is capable of holding his own in one-on-one situations. The Thunder's defense does a great job of shutting down off-ball options, making it tough for Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun to find open looks, unlike the Clippers managed.
I still have reservations about Denver's defense, ranking 23rd in post-All-Star break defensive rating (117.8). The Clippers couldn't consistently exploit this weakness, but that was due to James Harden's struggles under pressure and the lack of readiness from his teammates to support him. There's no such reluctance from the Thunder, with Gilgeous-Alexander spearheading the charge.
The Thunder have the fire and passion necessary to win four out of seven games, something the Clippers lacked.
This series might witness impressive performances from Jalen Williams. Unless Aaron Gordon is assigned to him, he'll encounter limited opposition. Even if Denver elects Gordon to guard him, Williams is likely to enjoy some success. This matchup could leave Chet Holmgren with an favorable opportunity too.
This is an unfavorable draw for a flawed Nuggets team, and Denver's necessity to play Game 1 just two days after their grueling opening series may gift Oklahoma City a 1-0 lead. With that in mind, it's difficult to picture the Thunder not winning in five or less, save for one Jokic victory. The only reason I'm predicting five games is to give Jokic the benefit of the doubt and assume he'll snatch at least one game. But realistically, I see the Thunder taking the first two games, winning one of two in Denver, and wrapping things up at the Paycom Center.
Series Best Bet: Thunder -2.5 Games (-130)
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[1] Source: Injury Report[2] Source: ESPN
- In the Western Conference Semifinals, malone will be awaited as the new coach for the Denver Nuggets, following his departure.
- Realistically, the Oklahoma City Thunder's defense could force the Nuggets' basketball team to evaluate their defensive strategies, considering the Thunder's success in shutting down off-ball options.
- After the Thunder's impressive performance against the Denver Nuggets, sports enthusiasts might want to take advantage of the NBA Playoffs Betting Guide to evaluate betting trends on the Thunder versus their upcoming opponents in the playoffs.
- It's worth noting that Malone's departure and the Thunder's defensive prowess have led to questions about the competitive balance between the two teams, with some analysts realistically predicting the Thunder to take the first two games in the series.
