Thunder vs Nuggets in Game 6 of NBA Playoffs: Prediction, picks, injury updates and odds

The No. 1-seeded OKC Thunder will continue its 2025 NBA Playoffs run with Game 6 against the No. 4 Denver Nuggets.

OKC will host Denver at 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday. The Thunder holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series following its 112-105 home win in Game 5 on Tuesday.

Here’s a preview of the Thunder-Nuggets game, including score predictions, betting odds and injury updates.

Thunder vs. Nuggets prediction, picks

Justin Martinez: Denver 117, OKC 114

Denver has failed to close out consecutive close games, but I expect its championship experience to shine at home in Game 6 with its season on the line. Nikola Jokic is entering the contest with momentum after struggling earlier in the series. And while a trio of fourth-quarter 3-pointers by Lu Dort helped OKC escape with a Game 5 home win, the team is only shooting 26.2% from deep on the road these playoffs. This series feels like it’s destined to go the distance. I’m picking Denver to win and send it back to Oklahoma City for a Game 7.

Thunder vs. Nuggets betting odds

Odds via BetMGM as of Thursday, May 15

Odds: Thunder by 4.5

Over/under: 216.5

Moneyline: OKC -200 | Denver +165

Thunder vs. Nuggets injury updates

Thunder: Nikola Topic (left knee surgery) is out.

Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair) is out. Jamal Murray (illness) is questionable. Hunter Tyson (right ankle sprain) is out.

Projected Thunder starting lineup

(With postseason averages)

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 28 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists
  • Lu Dort: 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.7 steals
  • Jalen Williams: 20.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists
  • Chet Holmgren: 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks
  • Isaiah Hartenstein: 10.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists

Projected Nuggets starting lineup

  • Jamal Murray: 22.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists
  • Christian Braun: 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists
  • Michael Porter Jr.: 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists
  • Aaron Gordon: 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists
  • Nikola Jokic: 26.5 points, 12.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists

What channel is Thunder vs. Nuggets NBA game on today?

The Thunder and Nuggets will play at 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday, May 15, on ESPN. The game can be streamed on ESPN+ (here’s how to stream it live).

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.