The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets begin their 2024-25 NBA seasons with a matchup at Ball Arena. Both teams are coming off promising but ultimately disappointing campaigns, as neither advanced beyond the second round of last year’s playoffs. Thursday’s game offers a fresh start and a preview of two teams expected to be contenders in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City comes into the new season with added depth and talent, while Denver looks to build off its recent success with some key roster changes. This game will set the tone for what should be an exciting season for both franchises.
Oklahoma City Thunder Overview
The Thunder were the surprise top seed in the West last season, finishing with 57 wins. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who emerged as one of the league’s top guards, and rising star Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City aims to replicate its success this year. However, the absence of Isaiah Hartenstein, who is out with a broken hand, puts added pressure on Holmgren in the frontcourt.
Despite Hartenstein’s absence, the Thunder are known for their depth. The offseason additions of Alex Caruso and Hartenstein provide stability, though they will need to rely heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren early in the season. The Thunder’s youth and versatility make them a tough matchup for any opponent, especially with Holmgren set to guard Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
Denver Nuggets Overview
Denver looks to maintain its standing among the top teams in the West, but some key offseason changes will test its depth. The loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and injuries to new acquisition DaRon Holmes II leave Denver thin in some areas. The signing of Russell Westbrook gives the Nuggets veteran leadership and a spark off the bench, but his role may shift if Jamal Murray’s knee discomfort persists.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, remains the heart of Denver’s team. Jokic’s performance will be crucial, especially with the Nuggets integrating new players like Dario Saric and Christian Braun. Braun, a key contributor on Denver’s 2023 title team, will take over the starting shooting guard spot, adding more responsibility to his role.
Denver aims to bounce back from a disappointing preseason, with Jokic emphasizing the need for improvement on both ends of the court. The Nuggets’ success will depend on how well their stars and supporting cast gel early in the season.
Pick and Prediction
This matchup features two evenly matched teams, with Oklahoma City’s youth and energy going against Denver’s experience and depth. The Thunder’s defensive challenges against Jokic may prove too much to overcome, especially on the road. However, expect a close contest between these Western Conference rivals.
- Pick: Nuggets -2.5
- Prediction: Denver 112, Oklahoma City 106
