Oklahoma (0-0) at Denver (0-0)
- When: Oct 24 2024, 10:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets
Moneyline
Oklahoma City Thunder +110
Denver Nuggets -130
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets
Point Spread
Oklahoma City Thunder 2.0 (-110)
Denver Nuggets -2.0 (-110)
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets
Total
Over 227.5 (-110)
Under 227.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Key Players:
Oklahoma: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Denver: Nikola Jokić
Team Stats
| Thunder | Nuggets | |
| 0-0 | Record | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Away & Home | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | ATS | 0-0 |
| – | O/U | – |
Last Matchup:
OKC 105-100, January 31st, 2024
Game Preview
Oklahoma City and Denver both had championship hopes last season but saw their runs end in the second round. As they gear up for the 2024-25 season, the two teams will meet in a highly anticipated opener on Thursday, with the Nuggets hosting the Thunder. Bettors should pay attention to the matchup, as both teams have retooled and are looking to challenge for the top spot in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City secured the No. 1 seed in the West last season, largely due to Denver’s late-season collapse when they blew a 23-point lead to San Antonio in the 81st game. The Thunder swept New Orleans in the first round before being eliminated by eventual West champions Dallas in six games. Both teams are expected to contend again, with key roster changes influencing the betting lines for their opening game.
The Thunder made some notable moves, trading for guard Alex Caruso and signing center Isaiah Hartenstein. However, Hartenstein is out for at least a month with a broken hand, leaving Chet Holmgren to guard Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Bettors should consider Holmgren’s tough matchup against Jokic, as Oklahoma City will rely on a team effort to slow him down. Holmgren himself acknowledged the challenge, stating, "You guard him with a whole team." Given Jokic’s dominance, betting on Jokic’s points or rebounds might be a favorable option.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City is one of the youngest and most talented teams in the league. The Thunder won 57 games last season and went 3-1 against Denver, making them an intriguing underdog pick for Thursday’s game.
Denver’s offseason saw the departure of key players, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday. Rookie DaRon Holmes II was set to join the Nuggets but will miss the season with a torn Achilles, prompting the team to sign Dario Saric as Jokic’s backup. Perhaps the most interesting addition is veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who signed a two-year deal. Westbrook, a longtime rival of Denver from his days with Oklahoma City, now leads the Nuggets’ second unit behind Jamal Murray. Westbrook’s performance could offer value for prop bets, especially if Murray is limited due to preseason knee discomfort.
The Nuggets are also set to give Christian Braun his first starting role, filling the void left by Caldwell-Pope at shooting guard. Braun’s promotion might shift Denver’s bench energy, making Westbrook’s role even more critical.
Despite some offseason changes, Denver’s title hopes still revolve around Jokic, who is coming off another MVP season. Bettors should consider Jokic’s all-around game when exploring props for points, rebounds, or assists. Jokic himself has voiced concerns about the team’s preseason form, particularly their defense and shooting struggles, which could impact totals betting if the team struggles to find its rhythm early in the season.
With two title contenders squaring off, this game offers numerous betting angles, from player props on stars like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander to moneyline and spread bets on the outcome. As both teams aim to start the season strong, bettors should weigh the roster changes and matchups that could tip the scales in this highly anticipated showdown.
NBA Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Denver 113-109
Expert Pick: Denver -2½ & Under 227½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
