Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets 12/16/23 – The NBA season heats up with an exciting match-up as the Oklahoma City Thunder, standing strong with a 15-8 record, face off against the Denver Nuggets, who boast an impressive 17-9 record. This game, slated for Saturday, December 16, 2023, promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Ball Arena. As we delve into this NBA betting prediction, let’s explore the factors that could sway the game’s outcome.
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | — |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
❝The more we experience it, the more we learn from it, we’ll get better from it.❞ pic.twitter.com/JOYQWcEYAa
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 15, 2023
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | +7 -110 | o235 -110 | +205 |  |
| Nuggets | -7 -110 | u235 -110 | -250 | |
| ||||
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an All-Star caliber season for the surprisingly competitive Thunder, averaging a career-high 31 points along with 6.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game. SGA’s ability to create his own shot and knife into the interior make him a dynamic threat that any defense struggles to stop. His length also makes him an impactful defender. However, his three-point shot is still inconsistent at just 31%.
On the other side, Nikola Jokic continues his MVP-level play for Denver, posting 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per night. The Joker simply cannot be contained with his combination of size, skill and vision, dominating in the post while also dropping dimes. His defense remains a question mark though, especially against explosive guards.
This matchup pits SGA’s individual scoring against the all-around brilliance of Jokic. While Gilgeous-Alexander could go on scoring bursts any given night, attempting to outduel the MVP is a difficult proposition. Jokic’s ability to control games gives Denver the edge.
Striking Thunder: Oklahoma’s Offensive Strategy
Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense has been on fire, scoring an average of 120.5 points per game with a 48.9% field goal percentage and consistently taking shots from three-point range – 12.8 field goals made per game on average! Their ability to convert opportunities into points will be key in breaking down the Denver Nuggets defense.
Nuggets’ Defensive Dominance and Playmaking Prowess
Denver Nuggets offer an effective combination of defense and playmaking. Averaging 114.6 points per game with a similar 48.9% field goal percentage as the Thunder, they excel at rebounding at 44.5 per game while Jokic’s 9.4 assist per game could prove key in breaking down their defensive structure.
NBA Betting Odds: Denver Nuggets -250, Over/Under: 235
The betting odds favor the Denver Nuggets, with a -250 moneyline, suggesting confidence in their home-court advantage and overall record. The over/under set at 235 points indicates expectations of a high-scoring affair.
Trends
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Oklahoma City are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 6 games.
Oklahoma City are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games.
Thunder are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games against Denver.
Oklahoma City are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against Denver.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 7 games on the road.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
Denver are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.
Nuggets are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games at home.
Denver are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City.
Denver are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Northwest Division division.
Denver are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games played in December.
Injuries
Thunder
No reported injuries
Nuggets
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope SG Is downgraded to OUT Saturday vs Oklahoma City, Concussion
Aaron Gordon PF Is probable Saturday vs Oklahoma City, Heel
Jamal Murray PG Is probable Saturday vs Oklahoma City, Ankle
Vlatko Cancar SF Is out indefinitely, Knee
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Picks
Analyzing the trends and stats, this game promises to be a close contest. The Thunder’s offensive firepower, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, is formidable, but the Nuggets’ balanced approach and home-court strength, spearheaded by Jokic, cannot be underestimated.
Considering the Thunder’s ability to keep games close and their recent ATS record, they seem like a valuable pick against the spread. For prop bets, focusing on individual player performances, especially on points scored by key players, could be lucrative. The over/under seems leaning towards the OVER, aligning with both teams’ scoring trends. Remember to check the latest updates and odds at your trusted best Sportsbook before placing your bets. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Thunder 118, Nuggets 115.
