Nuggets vs Thunder Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA on ABC, 3/9
The top two MVP candidates take center stage in an early, nationally televised match today on ABC. The two top teams in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, play their first of a back-to-back double-header at 1:10 PM ET. The Paycom Center will have the basketball world’s full attention as undecided votes for the NBA MVP could be decided over the next two days.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Prediction For NBA On ABC, 3/9
This Western Conference clash pits two title contenders against each other, with the Nuggets looking to assert their championship pedigree and the Thunder aiming to solidify their status as the West’s top dog. Expect a high-octane battle featuring two of the league’s brightest stars—Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—each capable of swinging the game single-handedly. With playoff seeding implications on the line, this game promises drama, intensity, and plenty of betting opportunities.
Denver Nuggets: Jokic’s Brilliance Faces a Defensive Test
The Denver Nuggets enter this matchup riding the genius of Nikola Jokic, who continues to redefine what it means to be a dominant big man in today’s NBA. Fresh off a historic 2025 performance against Phoenix—where he became the first player to record 30+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 20+ assists in a single game—Jokic is in MVP form, averaging a triple-double threat every night. However, the Nuggets have had their share of inconsistency this season, battling injuries and a retooled supporting cast. Facing the Thunder’s elite defense, ranked first in the league, Denver’s storyline revolves around whether Jokic can outsmart OKC’s suffocating schemes and get his teammates involved against a team that thrives on forcing turnovers and clogging the paint.
Oklahoma City Thunder: SGA Leads a Well-Oiled Machine
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the darlings of the 2024-25 season, boasting a balanced attack and a defense that’s the envy of the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a perennial MVP candidate, orchestrates the offense with poise, averaging over 30 points per game while slicing through defenses with ease. The return of Chet Holmgren has only bolstered OKC’s already stout frontcourt, making them a nightmare for opponents on both ends. This storyline centers on whether the Thunder’s depth and defensive tenacity can neutralize Jokic and keep Denver’s offense in check, all while Gilgeous Alexander exploits any cracks in the Nuggets’ perimeter defense. OKC’s 70-21 moneyline record over their last 91 games underscores their reliability as favorites.
Nuggets vs Thunder Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
- Moneyline: Thunder -325 | Nuggets +260
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 (-110) | Nuggets +7.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 240 (-110 both sides)
These odds reflect OKC’s dominance at home and their defensive edge, but the Nuggets’ recent form—hitting the over in 37 of their last 61 games—suggests this could be a high-scoring affair if Jokic gets rolling. Bettors should monitor line movements as game day approaches, especially with potential injury updates influencing the spread.
Betting Prediction for Nuggets vs Thunder: Over 240 (-110 on Draftkings Sportsbook)
This match has the highest projected total of any game today. For this game, the Over 240 stands out as the best bet. The Thunder’s offense, led by SGA and a sharpshooting supporting cast, has consistently pushed game totals higher, averaging 119.4 points per game this season. Meanwhile, Denver’s ability to score in the paint (this year’s leader in fast break points) and Jokic’s playmaking could exploit the Thunder’s aggressive defense, leading to open looks for shooters like Michael Porter With both teams capable of erupting offensively, this matchup has all the makings of a shootout, making the over a solid play at 240.
Nuggets vs Thunder Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report
- Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (ankle) – Probable; Nikola Jokic (ankle) – Probable; Julian Strawther (knee) OUT; DaRon Holmes II (achilles)
- Thunder: Ajay Mitchell (rest) OUT
Projected Starting Lineups
- Nuggets: PG Jamal Murray, SG Christian Braun, SF Michael Porter, PF Aaron Gordon (if healthy, else Peyton Watson), C Nikola Jokic
- Thunder: PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG Luguentz Dort, SF Jalen Williams, PF Chet Holmgren, C Isaiah Hartenstein
Check for last-minute updates, as these lineups could shift based on injury statuses.
How To Bet On Nuggets vs Thunder at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $150 Bonus
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This offer is for new users only and expires March 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Terms apply—must be 21+ and located in an eligible state (e.g., CO, AZ, NJ). With Jokic and SGA set to duel, DraftKings provides a prime platform to bet on this heavyweight tilt while boosting your bankroll.
Player News
Ivica Zubac had a productive outing, finishing with 27 points (11-of-15 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, one assist and two blocks in the Game 5 loss to the Nuggets on Tuesday.
Zubac continued to score the ball well, finishing with a series-high in points on efficient shooting. However, Zubac’s usual impact on the glass was absent, securing just five rebounds in Game 5 after tallying at least nine in the previous four, with his one assist also tying his lowest output of the series. Down in the series 3-2, the Clippers head back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Thursday, where they face a must-win situation to keep their season alive.
James Harden concluded Tuesday’s Game 5 loss to the Nuggets with 11 points (3-of-9 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes.
Harden had a quiet night on Tuesday, barely cracking double figures in scoring and failing to register double-digit shot attempts. The 2018 NBA MVP has faced a stifling Nuggets defense that, over the last few games, has forced the ball out of his hands, leading to inferior performances compared to earlier games in the series. Harden will look for a bounce-back performance on Thursday as he tries to lead the Clippers to a season-saving victory in Game 6.
Kawhi Leonard stuffed the stat sheet in Tuesday’s Game 5 loss to the Nuggets, posting 20 points (8-of-15 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), nine rebounds, 11 assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
Leonard did a little bit of everything for the Clippers in Game 5. The two-time NBA Finals MVP posted a series-high in assists and also hit the glass hard, resulting in a near-triple-double. Leonard has scored at least 20 points in all five games of this series. However, the Clippers may need even more from him going forward as they look to extend their season beyond Thursday’s Game 6 at the Intuit Dome.
Nikola Jokic earned a triple-double in the Nuggets’ Game 5 win on Tuesday over the Clippers, finishing with 13 points (4-of-13 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), 10 rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer.
The three-time NBA MVP had a relatively quiet game by his standards, but still came away with his third triple-double of the series. Jokic struggled with shooting efficiency, and his scoring output was the lowest of the series. Yet, his points were not as necessary in this game, given how well the rest of the Nuggets shot the ball. Nevertheless, Jokic will be in line for another big performance on Thursday when the Nuggets face the Clippers in Game 6.
Russell Westbrook came off the bench and produced 21 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), one rebound, one assist and three three-pointers in the Nuggets’ Game 5 win over the Clippers on Tuesday.
Westbrook was electric in his first game back in the lineup following a foot injury that kept him out of Game 4. His second-quarter scoring ignited the crowd and helped set the table for what would be his highest-scoring game of the postseason. The 2017 NBA MVP has had himself a nice series thus far from a scoring standpoint and will have a chance to end his former team’s season on Thursday in Game 6.
Jamal Murray had a dominant Game 5 performance in the Nuggets’ win over the Clippers on Tuesday, tallying 43 points (17-of-26 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, one block and eight three-pointers.
Fresh off a series-low 13 points in Game 4, Murray exploded for a series-high on Tuesday. He totaled nearly as many three-pointers in this game as he had in the previous four combined, while still managing to dish out seven assists. Murray got hot early in this one and never cooled off, and now has provided his Nuggets the opportunity on Thursday in Game 6 to eliminate the Clippers for the second time in the last five seasons.