Thunder vs Nuggets NBA Preseason Pick: Conference Foes Battle It Out In OKC (Oct 17)

Published Oct 16, 3:49pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Oct 16, 3:49pm ET

Pick status
The Thunder look to improve to 4-2 when they host the Nuggets on Friday night.

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Updated Oct 16, 5:54pm ET

  • The OKC Thunder improved to 3-2 following a 116-112 win against the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are 3-1 after defeating the Chicago Bulls 124-117.
  • The last regular-season meeting between these teams took place on May 18, with the Thunder claiming a 125-93 victory.

One of the games on Friday's NBA preseason slate features the OKC Thunder hosting the Denver Nuggets. Who has the edge in our Thunder vs Nuggets pick?

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Overview Watch On: NBA TV

DATE & TIME

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025 @ 8:00 PM ET
Oklahoma City Thunder
Paycom Center
Oklahoma City, OK
Denver Nuggets

Thunder Use Strong Fourth Quarter To Outlast Milwaukee

OKC led 73-65 at the break. But thanks to a subpar effort in the third quarter, the eight-point advantage turned into a three-point lead for Milwaukee heading into the final frame. The Thunder responded with a 29-22 scoring edge over the final 12 minutes to secure a narrow 116-112 victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one of four players in double figures. He finished with 23 points, six assists, and three steals on an efficient 8-for-10 effort from the field. Branden Carlson added 17 points off bench and converted three of his five attempts from distance.

Denver Looked Dominant In Win Over Bulls

The Nuggets dominated this contest through three quarters, leading by a 104-83 margin. Sure, Chicago's 34-20 burst in the fourth quarter made the final score respectable. But it wasn't enough to prevent the home team from posting a 124-117 victory.

Jamal Murray was in midseason form, putting up 30 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field. This is the highest point total for any Nuggets player during the preseason. Nikola Jokic contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, converting seven of his 10 shot attempts.

Thunder vs Nuggets NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Thunder are 4-1 straight-up (SU) in their last five games.
  • OKC is also 4-1 ATS in its previous five outings.
  • The Nuggets are 3-2 in their last five contests.
  • Denver has covered the spread three times in its previous five matchups.

OKC looked shaky in the third quarter against Milwaukee before rallying for a win. On the other side, the Nuggets are riding a three-game win streak. With that in mind, look for Denver to emerge victorious in this Western Conference matchup.

Pick
Denver Nuggets
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