Thunder vs. Nuggets Predictions for NBA Playoffs Game 5, 5/13
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets face off in a pivotal game five of their 2025 NBA Western Conference Semifinals series today, May 13, with the series tied at 2 - 2. This matchup at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City promises high stakes as both teams vie for a 3 - 2 lead. The Thunder, coming off an amazing fourth quarter comeback, aim to leverage their home-court advantage, while the Nuggets rely on their playoff experience and great team play to steal another road win. Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, betting picks, and how to catch all the action.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Home-Court Redemption
The Thunder, boasting a league-best 74 - 16 record (including the postseason, have shown resilience despite a rollercoaster series. After squandering a double-digit lead in a 121 - 119 game one loss, the Thunder responded with a historic 149 - 106 blowout in game two, showcasing their elite offense and defense. However, game three’s 113 - 104 overtime loss in Denver exposed late-game vulnerabilities, though they bounced back to even the series in game four.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been held in check but still scores when it matters and remains the offensive engine, with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren providing dynamic support. Oklahoma City’s deep bench, bolstered by Alex Caruso’s tenacity, makes them formidable at home, where they went 38 - 7 this season (including the postseason). The Thunder must avoid late-game collapses and capitalize on their deep rotation to take control of the series.
Denver Nuggets: Will the real Joker please stand up?
The defending 2023 champions have proven they thrive under pressure. After a grueling seven-game first-round win over the Clippers, Denver stole game one in Oklahoma City with Jokic’s historic 42-point, 22-rebound performance and Aaron Gordon’s clutch three-pointer. Despite a lackluster game two, they defended home court in game three with an overtime victory. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter stepped up with more points than Jokic, all above 20 points.
The Nuggets’ playoff experience and ability to win close games (five of their last seven against Oklahoma City) make them dangerous. However, their 21st-ranked defensive efficiency and inconsistent depth outside Jokic, Murray, and Gordon could be exploited by the Thunder’s relentless attack.
Nikola Jokic must stand and deliver in a crucial game five. Although most players would be beaming with joy if they achieved his numbers, they are simply not enough. He needs a true triple-double with 35 points to go back to Denver 3 - 2. The question becomes, can the real Joker stand up?
Thunder vs. Nuggets Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Here are the latest betting odds for game five from DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Spread: Thunder -10.5 (-110), Nuggets +10.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Thunder -500, Nuggets +380
- Over/Under: 220.5 points (-110)
The line has shifted back to double digits, -10.5 reflecting the confidence of the sportsbooks in the Thunder. The over/under has remained high despite a bad game three, likely due to both teams’ offensive firepower, with Oklahoma City’s game two explosion (149 points) and Denver’s high-scoring game one (121 points) setting a high-scoring template.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Best Bet: Denver +10.5 (-110)
The Nuggets blew game four, more than the Thunder won it. Denver scored a historic low 8 points in the first quarter of game four. Then had a dismal 18-point fourth quarter, as the quick turnaround hurt them with their lack of bench. Credit the Thunder’s defense, as they played their best quarter of this series, when it was needed most.
A 10.5 spread seems ridiculous in a pivotal game five, especially against a team that has already won on the road in two series. The Thunder are scoring in runs and allowing scores in runs. Without consistency, an eleven-point spread seems out of reach. Put a unit on the Nuggets to cover the spread, and to those that like to live dangerously, put another unit on them to win.
How To Watch Thunder vs. Nuggets on TNT Today
- Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Streaming: Max, FuboTV (free trial), ESPN app
- Radio: ESPN Radio (check local listings)
Ensure your streaming service includes TNT for uninterrupted viewing. For mobile or on-the-go options, the ESPN app or FuboTV provides live coverage.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report
- Thunder: No injuries reported.
- Nuggets: No injuries reported.
Projected Starting Lineups
- Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG), Luguentz Dort (SG), Jalen Williams (SF), Chet Holmgren (PF), Isaiah Hartenstein (C)
- Nuggets: Jamal Murray (PG), Christian Braun (SG), Michael Porter, Aaron Gordon (PF), Nikola Jokic (C)
Key bench players for OKC include Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins. Denver relies on Russell Westbrook (if healthy), Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther. Check the official NBA injury report closer to tip-off for updates.
How To Bet On Thunder vs. Nuggets at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $200 Bonus
Betting on Thunder vs. Nuggets is seamless with DraftKings Sportsbook, a top platform known for competitive NBA odds and a user-friendly interface. New users can claim a $200 bonus in bonus bets by following these steps:
1. Sign Up: Visit DraftKings Sportsbook and click “Sign Up.”
2. Deposit: Make a minimum deposit of $10.
3. Place a Bet: Wager at least $5 on any Thunder vs. Nuggets market (e.g., spread, moneyline, player props).
4. Claim Bonus: Win or lose, DraftKings will issue six $25 bonus bets instantly, totaling $200.
No promo code is required. Bonus bets expire in seven days and are non-withdrawable. Check DraftKings’ terms and conditions for full details. For responsible gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER if needed. Other sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, and bet365 also offer NBA betting with promotions (e.g., BetMGM’s $1,500 first-bet refund with code SBRBONUS), so compare odds for the best value.
This game five clash is set to be a thriller, with Oklahoma City’s youth and depth clashing against Denver’s veteran poise. Bet smart, tune in on TNT, and enjoy the playoff intensity!
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy -
Player News
Julius Randle recorded six points (2-of-11 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, five assists and one steal in Thursday’s loss to the Thunder.
After an excellent performance in Game 1 on Tuesday, Randle was poor on Thursday. While the rebounds and assists may provide solace, he could not find his groove offensively. Needing a spark, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch decided to go in a different direction, with Randle not playing at all during the fourth quarter. He’ll look to bounce back when the Timberwolves host Game 3 on Saturday night.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker tallied 17 points (5-of-8 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), two rebounds, two assists and three three-pointers in Thursday’s loss to the Thunder.
With Naz Reid (10/8/0/1/2) and Donte DiVincenzo (8/3/3 with two three-pointers) both shooting 3-of-8 from the field, Alexander-Walker did most of the heavy lifting for the Timberwolves’ reserves in Game 2. The 17 points are the most he’s scored in a game since Game 2 of the second round, when he dropped 20 on the Warriors. Nights like Thursday have not been the norm for Alexander-Walker, so Minnesota will need more from Reid and DiVincenzo to win this series. With the action shifting to Minneapolis, the Timberwolves hope the belief that reserves play better at home rings true.
Jaden McDaniels accounted for 22 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, three blocks and four three-pointers in Thursday’s Game 2 loss to the Thunder.
McDaniels has taken on the unenviable task of defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his emotions got the best of him late in Game 2. The Timberwolves forward was whistled for a flagrant foul after shoving SGA to the floor, but that does not tell the whole story of McDaniels’ night. After scoring seven points in the series opener, he more than tripled that number on Thursday, shooting over 50 percent from the field. McDaniels can undoubtedly be productive as a scorer, but expecting 20-plus points per night while also having to defend a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber is a lot to ask. Game 3 is on Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Anthony Edwards finished Thursday’s Game 2 loss to the Thunder with 32 points (12-of-26 FGs, 7-of-10 FTs), nine rebounds, six assists, one block and one three-pointer.
Edwards’ offensive production picked up after he scored 18 points in Game 1, but the perimeter shooting remains troublesome. Having shot 3-of-8 from three in Game 1, he was even worse on Thursday, making just one of his nine attempts. Edwards shot 11-of-17 from two and got 10 free throw attempts, boosting the final point total, and he did not commit a turnover. Given Oklahoma City’s depth and talent, Ant-Man will need his supporting cast to step up in Saturday’s Game 3 after many failed to do so on Thursday.
Chet Holmgren tallied 22 points (8-of-17 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer in Thursday’s Game 2 win over the Timberwolves.
For the first time since Game 3 of Oklahoma City’s first-round series against the Grizzlies, Holmgren surpassed the 20-point mark. While the rebounds were limited and he did not record any defensive stats, the 7-foot-1 forward gave Oklahoma City excellent minutes on Thursday. Thus far, Holmgren has outplayed Minnesota forward Julius Randle, which is one reason Oklahoma City heads to Minnesota with a two-game-to-none lead. Game 3 is on Saturday night.
Jalen Williams accumulated 26 points (12-of-20 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal and two three-pointers in Thursday’s Game 2 win over the Timberwolves.
Having struggled for most of Oklahoma City’s second-round series against the Nuggets, Williams has played well through the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. After making history in Game 1 by becoming the youngest player to drop at least 15 points, five assists, five steals and no turnovers in a playoff game, J-Dub had a better night offensively and recorded a double-double. Oklahoma City hopes Williams can take this play on the road, as they visit Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday.