The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs comes to an end Sunday night, as the Denver Nuggets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7.
The Thunder are the top seed in the Western Conference but have been challenged by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray & Co. in a series that has seen both teams trading wins. This series matches up the two MVP frontrunners in Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The winner Sunday night will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
Here are some bets that stand out for Sunday night's matchup.
Nikola Jokic over 13.5 rebounds (-130) A signature series from an all-time great comes to its conclusion Sunday. This prop has fluctuated a bit over the past few days, likely tied to Aaron Gordon's questionable status due to a hamstring injury suffered in Game 6. Gordon plays a big role on the boards for the Nuggets, so any limitations could propel Jokic to position and seal more intentionally and aggressively in the paint. After all, Jokic leads all players in the postseason with 22.8 rebounding chances per game, so the opportunity rates have existed even with Gordon at full strength. With this player, almost anything is possible -- including a dominant night on the glass.
Under 214.5 points (-115) By the time Game 7 tips off, fatigue will be a real factor. Both teams have been through six grueling battles, and they know each other inside and out -- every set, every counter, every tendency. That familiarity often grinds the game into a slower, more physical chess match. Add in the weight of a win-or-go-home scenario, and the defensive intensity ratchets up. Refs tend to swallow the whistle a bit more in these moments, letting players decide the outcome. All of it points to one common trend in Game 7's: scoring often dips, and every bucket becomes an accomplishment.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 6.5 assists (-140) The price on this prop is understandably expensive; given how achievable it appears based on trends throughout the season and this series. The Nuggets, for much of the series, have done well blitzing Gilgeous-Alexander and walling off driving lanes in order to get him to dish and trust his peers. A gifted playmaker in addition to being arguably the world's best scorer, "SGA" now has a developed read on these defensive actions from Denver, leading to an expectation for a productive passing performance this afternoon.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
Players in italics are available in a majority of ESPN Leagues
Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets 8.5 (-120) | Thunder -8.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Nuggets +260 | Thunder -320
Total: 213.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 5.2, straight up 67%, 228.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (NA - Hamstring); Hunter Tyson, (GTD - Ankle); Jamal Murray, (NA - Illness); Russell Westbrook, (NA - Hand); DaRon Holmes II, (OFS - Achilles)
Thunder: Nikola Topic, (OFS - Knee)