Nuggets vs. Thunder: Game 3 Showdown and Expert Picks

The Denver Nuggets face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals, with the series deadlocked at 1-1. After a narrow 121-119 win in Game 1, the Nuggets stumbled in Game 2, succumbing to a powerful 149-106 defeat by OKC. Game 3 is set to tip-off at 10 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Currently, the Thunder are favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under set at 232 points. Notably, Denver boasts a 26-15 home record, while Oklahoma City shines on the road with a 32-8 record this season.

Jimmie Kaylor from SportsLine has meticulously analyzed the Nuggets vs. Thunder matchup and unveiled his top predictions and player props for the game. By merging his five picks into a Same Game Parlay at DraftKings Sportsbook, bettors could achieve a +1000 payout (bet $100 to win $1000). Kaylor’s expertise, honed through his experience as a former college and NFL player, equips him with a comprehensive approach to crafting fantasy lineups and betting strategies. Here’s a deep dive into Kaylor’s five strategic picks for Game 3:

Nikola Jokic 15+ Rebounds

Jokic was a force in Game 1 with 22 rebounds. Although he secured only eight boards in Game 2 due to early fouling, the Thunder struggle to counter the three-time MVP. Jokic is primed for a standout performance in this contest, with this prop bet available at +125.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points

On a potential MVP trajectory, SGA is averaging an impressive 29.7 points per game during the playoffs. As a formidable challenge for Denver’s defense, anticipate another impressive outing from him. In the series so far, he’s delivered 33 points in Game 1 and 34 points in Game 2. Expect similar results come Friday.

Russell Westbrook 12+ Points

With 19 points in Game 1 and 18 in Game 2, Westbrook continues to be a key contributor. He’s averaging 26 minutes per game in this series and 13.8 points against OKC this season, setting the stage for continued productivity in Game 3.

Nuggets Over 113.5 Points

Denver’s offensive efficiency, especially with Jokic, is formidable. Despite a significant drop in performance resulting in just 106 points in Game 2, the Nuggets are expected to rebound and push towards the 120-point mark, particularly on their home court.

Nikola Jokic Triple-Double

While Game 2 was a setback with Jokic’s early exit, his regular-season average was a triple-double. Entering Game 3, following the team’s subdued showing in the previous game, Jokic is expected to dominate again. This prop comes with an appealing plus-money payout.