On Sunday afternoon, the Denver Nuggets face a crucial Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with a shot at the 2025 Western Conference finals on the line. This is the Thunder’s first elimination game this playoff season after losing Game 6 in Denver. The Nuggets, fresh off a tight victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their first round, are back for their second Game 7. They will have Aaron Gordon available, even after his hamstring strain in the previous game.
The winner will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals starting Tuesday night.
The Thunder, who haven’t reached the Conference finals since 2016, have been a dominant force in the West this season. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they’re seen as favorites. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 28.8 points per game in this series, with several teammates also contributing in double-digit scoring.
Nikola Jokić, on the Nuggets’ side, aims to lead his team to the Conference finals for the second time in three years. He is currently the playoff leader in major offensive stats, with impressive totals of 347 points, 169 rebounds, and 105 assists over 13 games.
As for betting insights, recent stats show that 20 out of the last 25 Game 7s have gone under a total of 214 points. With Game 7s often marked by tight scores and strong defense, this trend might hold true again.
Notably, social media buzz around this matchup has fans excited. Many analysts and users are discussing the pressure on both teams and how crucial this game is for the future of the franchise. In the NBA, playoff performance can shape a team’s trajectory for years, making this moment even more pivotal.
The stakes are high for both teams, and with the right strategies and a bit of luck, one team will move on while the other faces a long offseason.