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The Denver Nuggets got taken to the woodshed in Game 2, but the good news for them is that they are returning home for Game 3 with the series still tied. Will the Nuggets reclaim the series lead? Or, will the Oklahoma City Thunder go back-to-back to get move two wins away from the conference finals?

Catch this game live on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM, Manila time.

Away: Oklahoma City Thunder (1-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Luguentz Dort
  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

The Thunder learned their lesson from Game 1 and proceeded to dismantle Denver in a 149-106 home win in Game 2. Oklahoma City showed no mercy for the Nuggets, as the Thunder made as loud of a statement as they could before hitting the road for Game 3 and Game 4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got his pizzazz back as well, going 11-for-13 from the field in Game 2 for 34 points. 

The blowout nature of that contest helped his supporting cast gain rhythm in time for a home game, as the Thunder look to get the driver’s seat in the series. But Oklahoma City’s defense can’t be overlooked just because SGA and co. cooked the Nuggets. Remember, the Thunder finished tops in the regular season with a suffocating 106.6 defensive rating. That number is 101.1 in the playoffs, also the best among all teams that made the postseason.

Home: Denver Nuggets (1-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jamal Murray 
  • Christian Braun
  • Michael Porter Jr.
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic

It’s the Nuggets’ turn to show they can recover from a painful loss. Regardless of how they plan to do it, the one constant is that Nikola Jokic has to be at the top of his game. Jokic only had 17 points on a salty 6-for-16 shooting in Game 2 while also fouling out. Hopefully for Denver, Jokic’s subpar performance was more of an anomaly than a sign that OKC’s tactics against the big man are working. 

Despite his off-night, Jokic is still averaging 25.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists in the playoffs. Jokic aside, the likes of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have to show up after tossing bricks in Game 2, combining for a 4-for-18 shooting for 13 points. Game 3 brings a fresh start in a friendlier, more comfortable environment for the Nuggets, who have won and covered the spread in their last two home games.

Picks

Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder  (-5.5)

Over/Under: Under (232.5)