Denver (3-3) at Oklahoma City (3-3)
- When: May 18 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: ABC
Nuggets vs. Thunder – Game 7 Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Spread: Oklahoma City -8.0 | Total: 214.5
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a do-or-die situation as they head to Oklahoma City for Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Nuggets have already been battling depth issues and now face the possibility of playing without key forward Aaron Gordon. He remains a game-time decision after suffering a hamstring strain late in Denver’s 119-107 victory in Game 6. If Gordon can’t go, expect Peyton Watson to see extended minutes. Watson has been serviceable off the bench, averaging 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the series.
The real story for Denver has been the resurgence of Nikola Jokic. After struggling in the first four games, Jokic has caught fire, averaging 36.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and shooting a blistering 66.7% from the field over the last two contests. His presence will be crucial if Denver wants to pull off the upset in hostile territory. Denver has experience in Game 7 scenarios, having taken down the Clippers earlier this postseason, but the challenge is significant against a Thunder squad hungry to close out at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder
For Oklahoma City, the pressure is on to seal the deal after a dominant regular season that saw them rack up 68 wins. Sunday marks their first Game 7 since their 2020 first-round battle against the Rockets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort remain from that squad, bringing some much-needed experience to a largely young roster.
OKC head coach Mark Daigneault has been consistent with his deep rotations, refusing to shorten his bench during the postseason grind. His philosophy of “same game, bigger stakes” has resonated with his players, as they look to control the tempo and lock down defensively. Jalen Williams, however, has struggled mightily, shooting just 23.3% from the floor over the last three games. If Oklahoma City wants to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals, they’ll need a bounce-back performance from him.
Chet Holmgren, who has been solid on both ends, understands the magnitude of Game 7 but insists the team can’t get caught up in the moment. “You have to go into the game thinking about what matters for winning,” Holmgren noted.
Player Props Picks:
Nikola Jokic Over 28.5 Points – With Gordon’s status uncertain, Jokic will shoulder the scoring load.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 7.5 Assists – SGA’s playmaking will be crucial in setting the pace for OKC.
Game 7 Prediction and Final Score
Home-court advantage and a deeper bench give Oklahoma City the edge here. Nikola Jokic might put up big numbers, but the Thunder’s defense and depth should secure the win and advance them to the next round.
Spread: Oklahoma City -8.0
Toral: Over 214.5
Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma City 113, Denver 103
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
