In a game between two of the better teams in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets and the OKC Thunder will meet on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 (8:10 PM ET). The Thunder, who will host the game, are favored in it but just at -1.0 (bet365). This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. Thus far, the Thunder are 2-1 on the season with a 26-point win from late December in their most recent game. My Nuggets vs Thunder prediction focuses on the injury report and the chances that Denver will post a big spread.
NBA Matchup: Nuggets vs Thunder
Away: Denver Nuggets
Home: OKC Thunder
Game time: Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 @ 8:10 PM ET
Nuggets vs Thunder odds (home team's spread): -1.0 (bet365)
Denver vs OKC Prediction: Latest NBA News
The Nuggets last played on Monday, a game where they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 113-107. Nikola Jokic had a triple-double in the game with 16 rebounds, 12 assists, and 25 points in the contest. Jamal Murray helped carry the load for Denver. He had a game-high 35 points in the contest. With the win, Denver improved to 19-4 from home this season.
Denver Nuggets injuries: recent news
But heading into the game against OKC, Jokic is questionable. He will be a gameday update, one that bettors will have to stay on top of. Jokic has lower pain back according to his ESPN profile. He is the top player in the NBA so his playing status will cause a swing in betting.
Double-check for playing status updates with Denver (03:03 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
OKC Thunder injuries: recent news
OKC last played on Monday as well, a game that they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was the team's second straight loss. Previously, they surrendered a game to the Detroit Pistons.
The Thunder carry a lot of injury or health news into Wednesday. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander has a non-COVID illness, Luguentz Dort has a bad ankle, Jalen Williams is out, and Chet Holmgren has a sprained ankle. Four of the team's five starters are either questionable or out. Meanwhile, bench player Isaiah Joe is out. With all the problems the Thunder have, they almost look unbackable without some good news on gameday.
Double-check status updates OKC (03:03 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Nuggets vs Thunder Prediction: Betting Tips
You can't help but look at this game with a feeling of bewilderment from a betting perspective. Each team could be missing their best player. Furthermore, SGA and Jokic are MVP candidates league-wide. I think all you can do with this game is bet on chaos and take some of the long odds that are available in winning-margin betting.
My recommendation is for each of the +1400 or longer bets in the winning margins for Denver, so long as Jokic is not downgraded (ie. not doubtful or out). You want Denver at +1600 and +1800 to win by 14-16 and 17-20 respectively. The thinking is that with the injury reporting as it is, this game could be anything but standard. With OKC having so many injuries, they might just treat this game as a throw-away game if they get too far behind. The worst thing that they can do is chase a deficit with a lineup that isn't in tip-top shape and risk more injuries.
Otherwise, bettors looking at this game should simply wait for a half-hour before tip-time. In that case, you should have reporting as to who is on the court warming up if not press releases.
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