Thunder vs. Nuggets odds, line, score prediction, time: 2024 NBA picks, Oct. 24 best bets from proven model

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to kick off the 2024-25 season against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Last season, the Thunder posted a 57-25 record and secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They were eliminated in the semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks. On the other hand, Denver was also 57-25, but had to admit defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semifinals.

Kickoff will be at 10:00 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Denver is the 1.5-point favorite in the latest Thunder vs. Nuggets odds, according to the SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is 229.5. Before you decide on Nuggets vs. Thunder, be sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting tips from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting winnings on $100 players over the past six seasons on its top-rated NBA picks. The model finished the 2023-24 season with an overwhelming 94-61 record on all top-rated NBA picks, earning more than $2,800. Anyone who follows sports betting and betting apps has made huge profits.

Now the model has simulated Thunder vs. Nuggets 10,000 times and has just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can now head over to SportsLine to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Thunder vs. Nuggets:

• Thunder vs. Nuggets Spread: Denver -1.5
• Thunder vs. Nuggets over/under: 229.5 points
• Moneyline Thunder vs. Nuggets: Denver -129, Oklahoma City +109
• OKC: The Thunder are 4-1 in their last five games against Denver
• DEN: The Nuggets are 12-3 in their last 15 games entering Thursday
• Thunder vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
• Thunder vs. Nuggets Streaming: FuboTV (Try Free)

Why thunder can cover

The Thunder has a young but talented collection of players. Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the most versatile playmakers to thrive in the midfield. He also scans the ground very well as a passer. The Kentucky product finished last season fourth in the NBA in scoring (30.1) and ninth in assists (6.4) and 7.2 rebounds per game. He dropped more than 30 points six times in the 2024 postseason.

Forward Chet Holmgren is 7'1 and his length is disruptive as a shot blocker at the rim. Holmgren can shoot the ball well from outside the box, but has a soft feel for the ball in the lane. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game last season. The 22-year-old also recorded 22 double-doubles last season. Find out who you can support at SportsLine.

Why the Nuggets can cover

Center Nikola Jokic continues to dominate on the pitch. Jokic is an elite passer at his size and can set up offense with ease. He has it easy as a scorer and rebounder. Last season, he ranked fourth in the NBA in rebounds (12.4) and third in assists (9) with 26.4 points per game. Jokic has recorded 130 regular-season triple-doubles in his career.

Guard Jamal Murray is an additional instinctive and smart playmaker. Murray has a pure jumper who can space the floor while also making good decisions as a passer. The Kentucky product posted 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and a career-high 6.5 assists per contest last season. He also shot 42.5% from distance on 5.8 attempts per game. Find out who you can support at SportsLine.

How to make Thunder vs. Nuggets picks

SportsLine's model is under the total score, predicting 222 combined points. The model also says that one side of the spread occurs in well over 60% of simulations. You can go to SportsLine to see the model's selection.

So who wins Thunder vs. Nuggets and which side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Thunder vs. Nuggets is further behind, all under the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.