🏀 NBA Playoffs Game 7 Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Date & Time: Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Weather Forecast: Sunny, 82°F (28°C), 10% chance of rain
Game Overview
The Western Conference Semifinals culminate in a decisive Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The series has been a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing resilience and skill. The winner advances to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
📊 Betting Odds (Decimal Odds via bitcoin-betting.com)
Moneyline:Denver Nuggets: 3.660
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1.323
Spread:OKC -8: 1.917
Denver +8: 1.980
Total Points:Over 214: 1.990
Under 214: 1.893
🏥 Injury Report
Denver Nuggets:Aaron Gordon (hamstring): Questionable
Jamal Murray (illness): Expected to play
Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder): Expected to play
Hunter Tyson (ankle): Out
DaRon Holmes II (Achilles): Out
Oklahoma City Thunder:No significant injuries reported
🏀 Expected Starting Lineups
Denver Nuggets:PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Michael Porter Jr.
PF: Aaron Gordon (if available)
C: Nikola Jokić
Oklahoma City Thunder:PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Luguentz Dort
SF: Jalen Williams
PF: Chet Holmgren
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
🔑 Keys to the Game
Denver Nuggets:Nikola Jokić's all-around performance is crucial.
Supporting cast must step up, especially if Gordon is unavailable.
Limiting turnovers and controlling the pace will be vital.
Oklahoma City Thunder:Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs to lead offensively.
Defense must contain Jokić and force others to beat them.
Bench contributions could be the difference-maker.
🌟 Key Players
Nikola Jokić (DEN): Averaging 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 10.2 APG in the playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Averaging 32.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 6.2 APG in the playoffs.
🔁 Series Recap: Games 1–6
Game 1: Denver 121, Oklahoma City 119 (May 5, 2025)In a thrilling opener, the Nuggets overcame an 11-point deficit with just over four minutes remaining. Nikola Jokić delivered a dominant performance with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists. The game's climax featured Aaron Gordon sinking a game-winning three-pointer with four seconds left, capitalizing on a strategic misstep by the Thunder, who chose to foul while leading by three.
Game 2: Oklahoma City 149, Denver 106 (May 7, 2025)The Thunder responded emphatically, setting an NBA playoff record by scoring 87 points in the first half. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points in just three quarters. Oklahoma City's offense was firing on all cylinders, with eight players scoring in double figures, showcasing their depth and offensive prowess.
Game 3: Denver 113, Oklahoma City 104 (OT) (May 9, 2025)Back in Denver, the Nuggets secured an overtime victory, holding the Thunder to just two points in the extra period. Jamal Murray led with 27 points, while Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 22 and 21 points, respectively. Despite an off-night from Jokić, who missed all ten of his three-point attempts, Denver's defense and clutch plays sealed the win.
Game 4: Oklahoma City 92, Denver 87 (May 11, 2025)In a low-scoring affair, the Thunder edged out the Nuggets to tie the series. Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, leading an 11–0 run that turned the tide. Denver's offense struggled, with Jokić recording only three assists and committing four turnovers, highlighting the Thunder's defensive adjustments.
Game 5: Oklahoma City 112, Denver 105 (May 13, 2025)The Thunder took a 3–2 series lead with a comeback victory at home. Trailing by nine in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City went on a 34–19 run, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points and Luguentz Dort's timely three-pointers. Despite Jokić's 44-point effort, the Nuggets couldn't withstand the Thunder's late surge.
Game 6: Denver 119, Oklahoma City 107 (May 15, 2025)Facing elimination, the Nuggets delivered their most complete performance of the series. Jokić posted 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Jamal Murray, battling illness, added 25 points. Christian Braun stepped up with a playoff career-high 23 points. Julian Strawther provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points in the second half, including a pivotal 10–0 run that shifted momentum.
As the series heads into Game 7, both teams have demonstrated their strengths and vulnerabilities. The Nuggets rely on their experience and the brilliance of Jokić, while the Thunder's youthful energy and depth have been evident throughout. The decisive game promises to be a captivating conclusion to a hard-fought series.
📺 How to Watch
United States: ABC, ESPN2, Watch ESPN, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV, and YouTube TV
Canada: TSN, Sportsnet, NBA League Pass
United Kingdom: Sky Sports, NBA League Pass
Local Broadcasts: Check regional sports networks or team-specific channels
🎯 Some Player Props (Decimal Odds)
Nikola Jokić (3-Point Field Goals):Over 1.5: 1.595
Under 1.5: 2.259
Jalen Williams (Assists):Over 4.5: 1.719
Under 4.5: 2.049
Isaiah Hartenstein (Rebounds):Over 8.5: 1.729
Under 8.5: 2.040
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (3-Point Field Goals):Over 1.5: 1.657
Under 1.5: 2.149
Russell Westbrook (Points + Rebounds + Assists):Over 18.5: 1.724
Under 18.5: 2.040
Alex Caruso (3-Point Field Goals):Over 1.5: 1.746
Under 1.5: 2.009
Aaron Gordon (Points + Rebounds + Assists):Over 20.5: 1.892
Under 20.5: 1.840
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Double-Double):Over 0.5: 3.820
Under 0.5: 1.238
Nikola Jokić (Rebounds):Over 14.5: 1.961
Under 14.5: 1.787
Christian Braun (Points + Rebounds + Assists):Over 22.5: 1.806
Under 22.5: 1.935
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Points + Rebounds + Assists):Over 44.5: 1.877
Under 44.5: 1.862
Nikola Jokić (Points + Rebounds + Assists):Over 52.5: 1.847
Under 52.5: 1.893
