Thunder vs. Nuggets Prediction: Can Isaiah Hartenstein Find Continuous Success Against Denver?
Isaiah Hartenstein has taken advantage of the Nuggets' weakness defending the paint. Is it worth taking the over on one of his props tonight in Denver? Adam Ronis thinks so, and explains why in his Thunder vs. Nuggets prediction and best bet for Friday's Game 3.
Adam Ronis - May 9, 2025, 1:27 PM EDT
4 minThunder vs. Nuggets Prediction: Can Isaiah Hartenstein Find Continuous Success Against Denver?
After a collapse in Game 1, Oklahoma City bounced back in emphatic fashion with a 149-106 win in Game 2 at home. The Thunder made sure there wouldn’t be another wild comeback by taking an 87-56 lead at the half. The Thunder shot 56.2% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range.
Oklahoma City was in control most of the way in the opening game, but blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter in a 121-119 loss. Denver will host Game 3 on Friday night with the series tied at one in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Thunder went 32-8 on the road in the regular season and won both games in Memphis in the first round.
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Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 Odds
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Game Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Click here for complete Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 Odds
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 Prediction
Isaiah Hartenstein has been one of the key players for the Thunder’s success. Shai Gilegeous-Alexander said after Game 2 that it’s no coincidence the Thunder made a big jump this year due to adding Hartenstein. The Thunder center had 12 points and nine rebounds in Game 1, shooting 6-for-12 from the field. And despite the blowout in Game 2 where he didn’t didn’t play the fourth quarter, he had 14 points and eight rebounds in only 22 minutes.
The game should be competitive going back to Denver, with Oklahoma City as 5.5-point favorites and a total of 232.5 points. The matchup is great for Hartenstein. Denver struggles to defend the rim and paint area. The Nuggets have been the worst team at defending the paint in the postseason, allowing 52.7 points per game. In the regular season, Denver ranked 25th. Hartenstein also had success against Denver in the regular season, with 20 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes, and 10 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes.
In four games against Denver, Hartenstein is averaging 10.3 field goal attempts per game and most of the shots are close to the basket, in the paint and floaters in the lane. Hartenstein is averaging 14 rebounds chances in the four games. Look for another good game for Hartenstein and for him to go over points+rebounds prop again.
Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3 Pick
- Pick: Isaiah Hartenstein over 19.5 points+rebounds (-109) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best Thunder vs. Nuggets prop odds for Game 3
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