NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (Nuggets vs. Thunder)
There is only one NBA Playoff game on Sunday, but it's a big one. The Nuggets and Thunder will square off in a crucial Game 7. The winner will advance to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Let's take a deeper look at the matchup for the best NBA side and total bets.
Sunday’s Best NBA Playoffs Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder
The biggest storyline headed into Sunday's game is the status of Aaron Gordon. He's questionable with a left hamstring strain, an injury that could be key to Denver's game plan. Gordon has averaged nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds per game through the first five games of this series before a less efficient Game 6. He's considered a game-time decision, but you have to wonder how effective he'll be if he plays.
It's interesting to see how this game has been priced. Oklahoma City closed as 10.5-point favorites in all three home games this series. With Gordon questionable, they're only 8-point favorites in this game. A big reason for this is that the Thunder have only gone 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in this series, but it's still a pretty sizable swing and likely too far.
The Thunder had a historic season, winning 68 games with the league’s top-rated defense. They held opponents to a league-low effective field goal rate (eFG%) and had the highest defensive turnover rate. This defensive effort was on full display in a must-win Game 4 in Denver. They held Denver to 31.3% shooting and a series worst 87 points, including just eight in the first quarter. I expect Oklahoma City to rely on its defensive strength in Game 7.
Although Denver is the team with more playoff experience, the Thunder are the better team. Even with Gordon, Denver is going to find it tough to get into a real rhythm, as we've seen multiple times this series already. Expect a low-scoring, physical Game 7. I'll be backing the Thunder and the under.
Picks: Thunder -8 (-110) & Under 213.5 Points (-108)