Germantas Kneita
This has so far been arguably the best series of this years NBA Playoffs so it is fitting that it has come down to Game 7. The Thunder have homecourt advantage in this one, but the Nuggets have already picked up a win there this series and should not be intimidated. However, with Aaron Gordon dealing with a hamstring issue and being a game-time decision, the Nuggets could be weakened here. You can watch the action live on ABC.
Check out our NBA Playoff previews here. But now lets dive into my Nuggets/Thunder Same Game Parlay.
Nikola Jokic over 52.5 points, assists & rebounds (-115)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 31.5 points (-115)
Jamal Murray over 2.5 made threes (+135)
Nuggets vs Thunder Same Game Parlay odds: +625
Nikola Jokic over 52.5 points, assists & rebounds (-115)
With Gordon a doubt to play in Game 7, even more of the offensive responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Nikola Jokic. He has already been assuming that role on the road in this series, managing to score over 40 points in 2 of the 3 games. Expect a super short rotation from the visitors here with Jokic likely pushing 45 minutes of playing time. That should give him more than enough opportunities to have a great scoring night. With an uptick in usage, his assists should benefit too. Jokic is averaging just 5.7 per game on the series but after averaging 10.1 in the previous round it would be surprising to see him explode in this category here.
He has been a terrific rebounder in this series too, averaging 14.7 per game. Apart from an 8-rebound performance in a blowout in Game 2, he has managed at least 13 in all of the other games against the Thunder. Being up against Isaiah Hartenstein helps as the Thunder center offers little in terms of floor spacing. Jokic ends up places in a great position to grab defensive boards. They should act as a great foundation for this over.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 31.5 points (-115)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been incredibly consistent this series, with 4 games of at least 30 points, but not managing to reach 35 in any of those efforts. That should change here in Game 7. He was able to hit the over on this line in Game 6, dropping 32 points on just 16 field goal attempts. With his season on the line, I expect him to be much more aggressive looking for his shots. He finished the season averaging close to 22 attempts per game but has managed that just twice this series. This will not be the night for him to be passive again.
Matchup wise it will be wise for the Thunder to seek out Jokic in pick and rolls, look for the Thunder superstar to be the one looking to attack him. The Canadian has had plenty of success getting to the free throw line too, averaging 9 attempts per game. It should prove an effective way for him to inflate his scoring numbers here.
Jamal Murray over 2.5 made threes (+135)
When the Nuggets have needed him most, Murray has consistently delivered in the past. He is not a player that is scared of the big moment, and I expect him to have a major impact here in Game 7. Do not be surprised to see him doing his damage from beyond the arc here. He has averaged 6.8 3-point attempts per game in the series and the last time he was in Oklahoma City, he did take 13 shots from out there. Being a 39.3% 3-point shooter on the season, something similar should be enough to help him hit the over.
Murray has played over 40 minutes in 4 straight games and just like Jokic, could see that rise in Game 7. With that much time on the floor, the opportunities should be there for him to launch from beyond the arc. If Gordon cannot take to the floor too, there will be more shots to go around. Considering the power forward was also one of the teams main deep threats, Murray need to be the one doing more in that category here.
