Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1 Preseason) vs. Denver Nuggets (1-4 Preseason)
With the start of the new NBA regular season, all participants are skewed towards the upcoming game Thursday between Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. The Thunder had fair performance in the preseason with 4 wins and only 1 loss; their opponents Denver, on the other hand had only a single preseason win from 5 matches. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances and gain an edge into the regular season with a strong win in the game. For those looking to make NBA picks today, this match offers the plots of a struggling team looking for redemption against a resilient team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown strong team dynamics and statistical strengths in their preseason encounters. Last season, the team averaged 120.1 scored points per game with a field goal percentage of 49.9% and a three-point shooting rate of 38.9%. Such offensive efficiency was upheld by an average of 27.1 assists per game and 42 rebounds per game, indicating a consolidated game plan. The defensive end also relates to their gameplay’s strategy through an average of 8.5 steals and 6.6 blocks per game, which almost ensured that all the opposition faced a tough encounter.
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets, although having a disappointing preseason record, have something to be optimistic about in regard to last season’s stats. Scoring 114.9 points and having a near-efficiency in field goals of 49.6% shows they can score with a lot of exactness. The Nuggets surpass the competition with 44.4 rebounds which might prove important in controlling the tempo and possession of the ball against the Thunder. Their average assists of 29.5 is also better than that of the Thunder, suggesting good collaboration which could be important in the match.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s play-making strengths for the Oklahoma City Thunder was with a scoring average of 30.1 points with 6.2 assists from the previous season and a finished fact of assisting to turnover ratio 2.9. His slashing through defenses is going to be pivotal, but 2.2 turnovers per game can be a weakness against the Nuggets and their fast break style of play.
On the other side, Nikola Jokic’s performance was strong as a center upholding versatility for the Denver Nuggets with scoring stats of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists per game in the last season. He plays strategically and controls the ball from a central position which is very important for the Nuggets but his average of 3 turnovers a game may leave chances for the Thunder’s defenders.
The interest will be the Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic matchup, two players that possess different skills and styles and are keen to establish how the game is played and how it will end.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Denver Nuggets -2 (-111), Total Odds: 224.5
The betting odds favor the Denver Nuggets slightly, despite the Thunder’s better preseason performance. This might reflect the Nuggets’ home court advantage and their historical resilience in regular season plays. Bettors might find the point spread of -2 for the Nuggets enticing, considering their potential for a comeback performance.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder’s recent trend shows a strong ability to beat the spread, going 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games. However, their struggle in regular season matchups, going 1-4 SU in their last 5 games, paints a picture of a team that is still finding its rhythm.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have shown a pattern of staying under the total points, which has occurred in 8 of their last 12 games, and notably, in 5 of their last 5 games against the Thunder. This under trend might suggest a defensive approach in upcoming games, especially at home where they have maintained the total under in 6 of their last 7 games.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets 10/24/24 Betting Picks
Analyzing both the Oklahoma City Thunder’s aggressive play style and the Denver Nuggets’ historical resilience at home, the matchup is poised to be a tightly contested affair. The Thunder’s ability to outperform against the spread, coupled with the Nuggets’ tendency to keep scores low, particularly at home, suggests a game where defense could dominate.
Considering the teams’ previous encounters and recent trends, the better pick might be a surprise underdog victory for the Thunder. For those browsing top betting sites, exploring under markets and player prop bets could offer additional value. This game seems poised to challenge expectations.
