Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1 Preseason) vs. Denver Nuggets (1-4 Preseason)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets October 24 2024 – The Thunder is expected to face the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena in Denver. This match promises a slightly different contrast of fortunes, with the Thunder rising above with a 4-1 preseason record looking sharp and ready. The only availability in concern will be that of the Nuggets who will be looking for their win after a rather disappointing single win in the last five preseason outings. Among the spectators and bettors, interest is growing as many daily NBA free previews for bet placement on what appears to be an interesting confrontation for the basketball fans are being utilized.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets October 24 2024 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Thunder | +110 | +2 (-111) | 224.5 over (-111) |
| Nuggets | -130 | -2 (-111) | 224.5 under (-111) |
This game’s betting odds suggest a tightly contested match, with the Nuggets slightly favored despite their less impressive preseason record. The Thunder, with a +2 spread, are deemed underdogs, but their positive preseason suggests they could upset. The total points line is set at 224.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring game, a common scenario in early-season matchups.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is slowly becoming a star in the league for the Thunder and last season averaged an incredible 30.1 points. His quickness combined with his high scoring ability makes him a dangerous player on the court as he can shift the course of the game in seconds. Nevertheless, his 2.2 turnovers per game last season suggest a slight weakness when under duress, one which the Nuggets may seek to capitalize on.
The Nuggets’ main man, Nikola Jokic also had a brilliant season last year and averaged 26.4 points per game along with 12.4 rebounds. Being able to play at Center, he can effectively score as well as facilitate (9 assists per game). However, he turns the ball over thrice a game which is an avenue the Thunder may seek to exploit.
When these two key players face each other, the changes that will occur on the court will be drastic. Gilgeous-Alexander’s speed and ability to penetrate versus Jokic’s size and vision could dictate the pace and style of the game. Their head to head is, likely, going to be a key to the result.
Thunder Power: Analyzing Oklahoma City’s Team Stats
The Thunder have demonstrated solid offensive firepower, averaging 120.1 points per game last season with a 49.9% shooting efficiency. Their ability to sink threes at a 38.9% rate adds a dangerous layer to their game, challenging any defense. The team’s relatively high turnover rate (11.8 per game) remains a concern, suggesting that maintaining possession could be crucial against a strategic Denver defense.
Nuggets’ Strategy: Denver’s Statistical Strengths and Weaknesses
The Nuggets have not been far behind in offensive capability, scoring 114.9 points per game with a nearly equivalent field goal percentage (49.6%) as the Thunder. Their lower three-point percentage (37.4%) compared to the Thunder might indicate a reliance on inside play, which could be pivotal given Jokic’s presence in the paint. Their better control over turnovers, identical to the Thunder’s at 11.8 per game, shows a disciplined approach to ball handling.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Oklahoma City are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City’s last 8 games.
Oklahoma City are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
Thunder are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games against Denver.
Oklahoma City are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Denver.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
Denver are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Denver’s last 12 games.
Denver are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver’s last 5 games against Oklahoma City.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver’s last 7 games at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Previews
Historical patterns and preseason outcomes for both franchises make this game one with multiple tipping points. The Thunder performed impressively in preseason, while the Nuggets will be playing in their arena, which dictates that these two teams are definitely well-matched against each other. Watch for prop bets that may enhance the individual play of some of the key performers.
Some cracks in the skin are visible on Denver, although they are favorites, and any bold punter would take advantage of that. Given the strong UNDER trends, and recent results of both teams, it would not make sense to expect a high scoring game. In addition, consider strategies on licensed betting platforms that allow in-play betting since fluctuations in this direction may be advantageous.
Score Prediction: Nuggets 112, Thunder 108.
