The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in a win-or-go-home Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This clash between the 2023 NBA champions and the top-seeded Thunder promises high stakes, with both teams showcasing elite talent and resilience throughout a tightly contested series. Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, betting picks, and everything you need to know to catch the action and place your bets.

 

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Playoff Experience, Game 7 Masters

The Nuggets are no stranger to game 7. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have played in fourteen playoff series together, and 13 of them have gone to game 7. For those unaware, that is not common and is a representation of their commitment to never giving up.

This will be a tough game 7 against the top seeded team of the NBA season. To make matters worse the team will likely be without their power forward, Aaron Gordon. He has been pivotal to the 2025 playoffs, and Denver has won every 2025 playoff game in which he has scored 20 or more points. As of now he is listed as a game-time decision but trending to out.

The Nuggets have been the better team in this series, and were it not for late fourth quarter collapses, they would have already clinched a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Look for an all-time playoff performance from Jamal Murray, and for the team to lean on Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson in the absence of Gordon.

 

 

 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Can They Get Over the Hump?

The Thunder, boasting a league-best 68-14 regular-season record, are favored to close out the series at home. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (29.7 points, 6.7 assists in the playoffs), Oklahoma City balanced attack features Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, and a deep bench with Alex Caruso’s defensive tenacity. 

Their Game 5 comeback from a nine-point deficit and a 149-106 rout in Game 2 highlight their explosive potential. Oklahoma City’s elite defense (No. 1 in regular-season defensive rating) and home against the spread record (29-12-2 as home favorites) make them formidable. However, their relative inexperience in clutch moments—evident in Game 1’s collapse—remains a concern. The Thunder aim to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016, and hope to ride the lightning into the next round.

 

 

 

Nuggets vs. Thunder Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Here are the latest odds for Game 7 from DraftKings Sportsbook:

  • Spread: Thunder -8.0 (-110) | Nuggets +8.0 (-110)
  • ML: Thunder -325 | Nuggets +260
  • Over/Under: 213.5 points (-110 O, -110 U)

The Thunder opened as 6.5 point favorites, with the line moving to 8.0 reflecting confidence at home and the probability that Gordon will not play. The total has dropped from 229.5 in earlier games to 213.5, aligning with the belief that close out games are usually low scoring, but Denver’s 5-1 against the spread record in this series suggests they can keep it close.

 

 

 

Nuggets vs. Thunder Best Bet: Nuggets +8.0 (-108) via DraftKings Sportsbook

The Nuggets are a strong play to cover the +8.0 spread. They’ve covered in five of six games this series, with their only non-cover being a 43-point Game 2 blowout. Denver’s losses (5 and 7 points) have been well within this spread, and their playoff experience (Jokic and Murray thrive in elimination games) gives them an edge in clutch moments. 

Oklahoma City’s youth showed in Game 1’s late collapse, and while they’re tough at home, Denver’s physicality and rebounding (63-43 edge in Game 1) can slow the pace and keep this game tight. The truth is either team has a great chance to win this match, and with an eight point spread, the smart money is on the underdogs. Put a unit on this best bet at DraftKings, and make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.

 

 

 

How To Watch Nuggets vs. Thunder on ABC Today

  • Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 PM ET
  • Channel: ABC
  • Streaming: ESPN app, FuboTV (free trial), or NBA League Pass
  • Radio: ESPN Radio

Check local listings to confirm channel availability. The game tips off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with national coverage ensuring fans can catch every moment of this Game 7 showdown.

 

 

 

How To Bet On Nuggets vs. Thunder at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $200 Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook offers a seamless platform for betting on Nuggets vs. Thunder Game 7 with competitive odds and a user-friendly interface. New users can claim a $200 bonus in bonus bets by following these steps:

1. Sign Up: Visit and click “Sign Up.”

2. Deposit: Make a minimum deposit of $5.

3. Place a Bet: Bet $5 or more on any Nuggets vs. Thunder market (e.g., spread, moneyline, player props like Jokic Over 13.5 rebounds).

4. Claim Bonus: Instantly receive $200 in bonus bets, delivered as eight $25 bonus bets, win or lose.

No promo code is required. You must be 21+ and located in a state where DraftKings is licensed (e.g., AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY). Bonus bets expire after seven days and have no cash value until wagered. Always bet responsibly—call 1-800-GAMBLER if you need help.

This Game 7 is poised to be a classic, with the Thunder’s home dominance and defensive prowess clashing against the Nuggets’ playoff pedigree and Jokic’s brilliance. Take Denver to cover the +8.0 spread for a safe bet, and consider Jokic’s rebounding prop for added value. Tune in on ABC and place your bets with DraftKings to join the action!

*Odds and availability are subject to change. For the latest updates, visit DraftKings Sportsbook.