The No. 1-seeded OKC Thunder will continue its 2025 NBA Playoffs run with Game 3 against the No. 4 Denver Nuggets.

OKC will face Denver on the road at 9 p.m. CT Friday. The Thunder tied the second-round series at 1-1 with a 149-106 home win on Wednesday.

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

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Thunder vs. Nuggets prediction, picks

Justin Martinez: OKC 120, Denver 115

Aside from the closing minutes of Game 1, OKC has been the better team throughout this series. The Thunder’s defense has shined, forcing and average of 19.5 turnovers and converting them into an average of 28.5 points. It has also made life difficult for Nikola Jokic by throwing defenders such as Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams at him. And on offense, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to cause problems for a Denver defense that lacks an elite point-of-attack defender. Winning on the road won’t be easy, but I’m picking OKC come out on top in a close one.

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Thunder vs. Nuggets betting odds

Odds via BetMGM as of Thursday, May 8

Odds: Thunder by 4.5

Over/under: 233.5

Moneyline: OKC -210 | Denver +170

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Thunder vs. Nuggets injury updates

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

Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair) is out.

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Projected Thunder starting lineup

(With postseason averages)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.7 assistsLu Dort: 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1 stealJalen Williams: 21 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assistsChet Holmgren: 16.8 points, 8 rebounds and 2.8 blocksIsaiah Hartenstein: 10.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists

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Projected Nuggets starting lineupJamal Murray: 21.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.3 assistsChristian Braun: 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assistsMichael Porter Jr.: 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.6 assistsAaron Gordon: 18.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assistsNikola Jokic: 25.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists

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

The Thunder and Nuggets will play at 9 p.m. Friday, May 9, on ESPN. The game can be streamed on ESPN+ (here’s how to stream it live).

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