Oklahoma City Thunder (15-7) vs. Denver Nuggets (16-9)
Thunder vs. Nuggets 12/16/23 – As Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets prepare to square off this Saturday in an NBA showdown, fans and bettors are turning their attention to this crucial matchup for both teams’ standings – as well as those searching for top free basketball picks – this encounter promises to provide a thrilling display of basketball prowess at Ball Arena and on ALT television broadcast.
The Oklahoma Thunder have emerged as an impressive force this season, averaging 120.4 points per game on 49.2% field goal percentage with an impressive 39.1% 3-point shooting success rate and 8.7 steals and 6.1 blocks per game to disrupt opponents’ plays while their turnover rate of 12.1 per game and average 20.2 fouls may prove concerning.
Denver Nuggets have also put forth an effective offensive performance, scoring 114.2 points per game with a 48.9% field goal percentage and rebounding an average 44.4 per game for second chance opportunities. Their 3-point shooting percentage stands at 37%; however, their free throw percentage (71.3%) and turnover rate (11.9 per game) demonstrate their disciplined approach to basketball.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | ALT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his game to new heights this season, averaging career-highs across the board with 30.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting over 50% from the field. His offensive explosion has fueled OKC’s success. Though his height could struggle defending the bigger Jokic in the post.
On the flip side, Nikola Jokic‘s elite and versatile skill set allows him to dominate games on a nightly basis. He’s tallying video game numbers of 27.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 9.4 assists per contest. His combination of scoring and playmaking abilities makes him a matchup nightmare. However, conditioning and foul trouble have hindered Jokic this year.
This battle of Western Conference stars should go a long way in deciding this contest. Both players have the ability to take over games, and their individual matchup will be must-see entertainment. But SGA’s quickness gives him an advantage, while Jokic’s size could overwhelm OKC’s backcourt.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD
As the betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, bettors are eagerly anticipating the lines. These odds will offer insights into how the bookmakers view the matchup, potentially reflecting the Thunder’s offensive strength or the Nuggets’ rebounding advantage.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder’s recent performance exhibits mixed trends. Their 3-2 record over their last five games shows consistency, yet their 2-2 mark against the spread suggests some unpredictability. Their impressive 7-2 road game record against the spread shows their ability to perform under pressure away from home; bettors should take these trends into consideration when selecting their picks.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have endured an up-and-down campaign recently, posting a 2-3 record over their last five games and going 1-3 against the spread. Their 3-10 road record against the spread is cause for alarm; however, three out of their last five and five out of their 10 home totals going over suggests high scoring matches which is essential to successful over/under bets.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game promises to be tightly contested. The Thunder’s strong offensive play and solid performance in away games make them a team to watch. However, the Nuggets’ rebounding ability and Jokic’s all-around play cannot be underestimated.
In terms of picks, the Thunder might have a slight edge due to their recent form and road game prowess. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially on Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, could be intriguing. The over/under will also be critical, given both teams’ tendencies to be involved in high-scoring games. Pro handicapper tips suggest looking at the game’s dynamics, considering both teams’ strengths and recent performances.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Denver Nuggets 115