Denver Nuggets (32-15) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (32-13)
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder January 31, 2024 – As the NBA season continues to heat up, basketball betting picks today focus on a highly anticipated matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Set for Wednesday, January 31, 2024, this game pits two of the Western Conference’s top teams against each other, promising a thrilling contest. The Nuggets, with a 32-15 record, face off against the Thunder, who are slightly ahead with a 32-13 standing. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting this clash at the Paycom Center, looking to see which team will assert dominance in this high-stakes game.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder January 31, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 31 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | BSOK |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Nikola Jokic (C) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
Denver center Nikola Jokic is putting up MVP-level numbers this season, playing 33.6 minutes a night while averaging 26.3 points, 12 rebounds and 8.9 assists. He crashes the offensive glass hard, pulling down 3 O-boards per game, while his court vision and passing ability fuel the Nuggets’ elite offense. However, Jokic can struggle defending quicker guards on the perimeter.
For OKC, point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a major step forward, playing 34.3 minutes and scoring 31.1 points per game on efficient 50% shooting. SGA also chips in 5.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists as the Thunder’s lead playmaker. Additionally, he’s shooting 39% from three and gets to the line frequently. His length also allows him to be disruptive on defense, coming away with 2.3 steals per contest.
This clash features two of the NBA’s most skilled and versatile offensive players. While Jokic is nearly unstoppable on the block, he could have issues containing SGA’s quickness off the dribble. Likewise, Alexander may struggle navigating screens and keeping the bigger Jokic in check down low. With such contrasting styles, this 1-on-1 battle could decide the game’s outcome.
Nuggets’ Statistical Supremacy: A Closer Look
The Nuggets boast impressive team stats, particularly their offensive efficiency. Averaging 115.1 points per game with a 49.6% field goal percentage demonstrates their prowess on offense. Their strong rebounding average of 43.9 per game and playmaking abilities with 28.8 assists per game make them an all-around team; however, their 8-16 road record against the spread points to possible vulnerabilities away from home that may play a pivotal role in any given matchup.
Thunder’s High-Octane Offense: Analyzing the Edge
The Thunder have an equally impressive scoring record, averaging 121.6 points per game on average. Their 50.4% field goal and 39% three-point percentages demonstrate their efficiency when it comes to scoring from all areas of the court, and their 8.4 steals and 6.5 blocks per game show their strong defensive presence; though their slightly higher average fouls per game at 20 may give Denver opportunities at free throw line.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the close standings and statistics of both teams, it’s expected to be tightly contested. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, as these will provide more insight into the expected outcome of the game.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
Nuggets are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Denver Nuggets are 1-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Nuggets are 8-16 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 0 of Nuggets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 9 of Nuggets’ 22 last games at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Thunder are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
OKC Thunder are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Thunder are 14-8 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Thunder’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Thunder’ 22 last games at home.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game presents a challenging pick. Both teams have strong offensive capabilities, but the Thunder’s slightly better scoring and defensive stats might give them the edge. However, the Nuggets’ strong rebounding and playmaking abilities cannot be underestimated, especially with Jokic at the helm.
For those looking at safe betting websites, the smart money might lean towards the Thunder, especially considering their recent form and home-court advantage. Prop bets on individual player performances, such as points scored by Gilgeous-Alexander or rebounds by Jokic, could also be interesting. The over/under will hinge on the teams’ recent scoring trends, with the Thunder likely pushing the pace.
Receiving Yards Prop: Thunder 118, Nuggets 112
