The Western Conference semifinal series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 at Ball Arena. The Nuggets took Game 1 with a strong performance, led by Nikola Jokic’s 42 points and 22 rebounds. However, the Thunder responded emphatically in Game 2, delivering a historic 149-106 blowout on their home court. Oklahoma City set an NBA playoff record with 87 first-half points, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting and a suffocating defense that limited Denver to 37.9% shooting. The Thunder’s physicality and efficiency forced Jokic into a rare bad game, fouling out in the third quarter. With the series now even, Game 3 will be critical as Denver aims to regain control at home while Oklahoma City looks to maintain their momentum. Let’s take a look at the Nuggets-Thunder best prop bets for Game 3.
The Nuggets-Thunder Best Prop Bets For Game 3
*All Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Thursday night
Russell Westbrook: Over 18.5 points/assists (-110)
The oddsmakers continue to underestimate Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has been playing a big role for the Nuggets during this playoff run, and he is actually playing fairly efficient basketball. The Nuggets will continue to lean on him as they are relying on his offensive playmaking to keep their bench afloat. That’s why we love taking the over on Westbrook’s points/assists line for one of our best Nuggets-Thunder prop bets.
Westbrook has notched at least 20 combined points and assists in all but three of his playoff games this season. He also has reached this line in five straight games. We think Westbrook is going to continue to factor in on offense for the Nuggets in Game 3. We’ve been hammering the Westbrook points line and think it’s time to mix it up to add his assists as well.
Isaiah Hartenstein: Over 10.5 points (-109)
Isaiah Hartenstein is going to need to play a lot this series. He is the only body on the Thunder roster that can somewhat handle Jokic. We saw big minutes from Hartenstein in Game 1, and even a solid amount in Game 2 despite it being a blowout.
Hartenstein has also scored at least 11 points in his last three games. He’s only failed to reach the 11-point mark twice in these playoffs, and we expect him to play a big role in Game 3 for the Thunder.
Alex Caruso: Over 2.5 assists (-134)
Unless this game is a total blowout again, Alex Caruso should be able to reach this line easily. Caruso had at least three assists in every game these playoffs before the Game 2 blowout. He only played 10 minutes total in that game.
When Caruso gets minutes, he is going to rack up a few assists. He should be in line for a solid amount of minutes in Game 3 as long as the Nuggets are able to keep things close. Caruso is a great passer and is a more important part of the Thunder offense than many believe. That’s why we like him for one of our Nuggets-Thunder prop bets for Game 3, especially as one of our safer picks.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post The Nuggets-Thunder Best Prop Bets For Game 3 appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.