Thunder vs Nuggets Betting Odds – Nuggets Will Beat Upstart Thunder

Denver (39-21) is a bonafide contender, while Oklahoma City (35-23) has won 11 of 13 to move within striking distance of the top teams. Sitting one win behind Dallas after being passed in the standings by the Mavericks due to their eight game win streak, the Nuggets need to halt their two game losing streak or risk falling out of the top of the West. The Thunder is creeping up on the division leaders and with a win could move within three wins.

The Storyline – Thunder vs Nuggets betting odds breakdown
The last game in Denver, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant went head-to-head scoring 31 and 32 points in a 102-93 Nuggets win. While the Thunder responded for a 17 point win at home to kick off their recent nine game win streak, this game is back in Colorado where Oklahoma City has never won. Losing in back-to-back nights against the Lakers and Suns, the Nuggets will be looking to get back on track and keep in touch with the streaking Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks.

Offensive Matchups – Thunder vs Nuggets betting odds breakdown 
Those doing sports betting should know Kevin Durant has scored at least 25 points in 31 of his last 32 games and in that one game still managed 21 and 12 rebounds. He is one of the best scorers in the game and is second to only LeBron James in league scoring. The Thunder offence runs through him and if he is off, they will struggle; the thing is he does not. He has only been held under 15 points twice all year; once in December and once in November. Russell Westbrook has added a big piece this year as he as approved in all statistical categories and has bumped those numbers up to 19 points, 10 assists and 6.6 rebounds in the month of February helping the Thunder to 106.6 points a game since the All Star game.

Much like the Thunder, Denver’s offence in centered around its own All Star swingman. Carmelo Anthony was banged up early in February but is getting back to his healthy self. His numbers are down, scoring above his average 28 just once since returning from injury on February 9. Chauncey Billups is stepping up to fill the void scoring almost 25 points since the All Star break. The Nuggets put up 107 a game and should not have a problem scoring as they are one of the more athletic teams in the Western Conference which will take away that advantage that the Thunder usually hold on defence.

Betting Edge: Denver

Defensive Matchups – Thunder vs Nuggets betting odds breakdown 
The Nuggets are a big play defence, who gets steals and blocks but does not hold teams under 102 points. This is mostly due to the high paced game that they like to play, leading to more offensive sets. With athletic big men like Chris Anderson, Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin, who love to bring help defence, the lane is always a dangerous place for opposing players.

The Thunder hold teams to just 96 points and a league low 43.7 percent from the field. They are long, mobile and active which causes a lot of turnovers and fast-break opportunities; which helps them run up the score. They probably do not want to get into a run and gun game as they have had problems defending in those games.

Betting Edge: Thunder

Notable Injuries – Thunder vs Nuggets betting odds breakdown 
Chris Anderson had two off games and then missed two straight with some tendinitis in his knee which probably means he was playing through some pain so he might decide to play through it sooner than later as the Nuggets have lost two straight. Ty Lawson sat out the last game with a bruised shoulder but is day-to-day but should at least see limited minutes.  

Kyle Weaver is out for the Thunder however he is not a major part of the rotation so it should not hurt the team.

Betting Edge: Thunder

Betting Prediction – Thunder vs Nuggets betting odds breakdown 
The experts doing the sportsbook know that the Nuggets should put away this young division rival. Kevin Durant has never won in Denver and even though the Thunder are streaking, it will be a tough task to beat the Nuggets in their own building where they have only lost five all year.

Pick: Nuggets