Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Oklahoma City Thunder as they pursue a championship in the 2025 NBA playoffs, opening their second-round series against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The Thunder are coming off an extended break, having not played in over a week after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. In contrast, the Nuggets had only one day of rest following their decisive Game 7 victory over the Clippers on Saturday night.
As they enter the second round, the Thunder are positioned as the favorites to win the NBA title, with odds listed at +135 by Bet365. They are also considered the strong favorites to claim the Western Conference title at -225. The other Western Conference second-round matchup features the sixth-seeded Timberwolves facing the seventh-seeded Warriors, following Golden State`s Game 7 win on Sunday.
Game 1 Information
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Date: Monday, May 5
Location: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City
TV Channel: TNT
Live Stream: Max
Odds (via Bet365): Thunder -9.5, O/U 225.5
Game 1 Betting Pick
Unlike the relatively lopsided season series between Boston and New York, Denver and Oklahoma City played four somewhat competitive games this season, with each team securing two wins. Only one of these contests, a November victory for Denver, was particularly close. While the Nuggets will undoubtedly feel the effects of their demanding seven-game series against the Clippers, consider the significant rest the Thunder have had; their starting unit has played only four games since April 9. Oklahoma City is favored for legitimate reasons – they are arguably the superior team and are likely to win the game. However, the current point spread appears slightly too high given the potential for rust and Denver`s recent playoff intensity.
The Pick: Nuggets +9.5
Jasper Hawthorne