Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) vs Denver Nuggets (50-32)
Game Info: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:30 pm (Paycom Center)
Betting Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 -- Over/Under: 225 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to tip off their Western Conference Semifinals series on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder enter the series well-rested after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 27.8 points per game in the series, Oklahoma City boasts a deep and athletic roster. Rookie center Chet Holmgren has been a defensive force, averaging 2.8 blocks per game, while Isaiah Hartenstein leads the team with 8.8 rebounds per game. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are coming off a grueling seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, culminating in a 120-101 victory in Game 7. Nikola Jokić nearly averaged a triple-double in the series, with 18.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun provided significant scoring support, contributing 22 and 21 points, respectively, in the decisive game.
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Aaron Gordon Over 15.5 Points
Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 53.1% from the field and an impressive 43.6% from three-point range. His free-throw percentage stood at 81.0%, and his true shooting percentage was 65.0%, indicating a high level of scoring efficiency. In the playoffs, Gordon elevated his performance, averaging 18.2 points per game on 49.2% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc during the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. He scored at least 14 points in every game of the series, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Jalen Williams Over 21.5 Points
Williams is averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, while shooting 48.4% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. His scoring average ranked 25th in the league, highlighting his offensive prowess. In the postseason, Williams elevated his game, averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest, while maintaining a shooting percentage of 54.2% from the field. His contributions were instrumental in the Thunder's first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 2.5 Assists
Hartenstien is averaging 3.8 assists per game, totaling 219 assists for the season. This marked a career-high in assists per game for Hartenstein, reflecting his significant role in facilitating the Thunder's offense. We saw Hartenstien record 3+ assists in every game in the Thunder's first round series against Memphis. The Nuggets also gave up the most assists per game to opposing teams throughout the regular season.
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AUTHOR: Brad Francis
