2011 NBA Playoffs – Nuggets vs Thunder Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview

2011 NBA Western Conference Playoffs – Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview: The Oklahoma City Thunder were a Pau Gasol tip-in at the buzzer from forcing a Game 7 against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers last season. The same squad is back this year with a few key additions on the defensive end, and Kevin Durant and company have their eyes on a title. The Nuggets have their eyes on a title as well, but it took trading their best two players for the team to find its stride. Minus Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, Denver is ready to give OKC all it can handle. The Thunder have been installed as a –215 favorite(odds at SBG Global Sportsbook) to win the series.

Led by the three-time scoring champ Durant and point guard Russell Westbrook, the Thunder already had enough muscle on the offensive end to compete for a championship. This year, they have the muscle on the defensive end as well. Serge Ibaka has emerged as one of the better shot blocking forwards, and a midseason trade for center Kendrick Perkins gave them a legitimate enforcer in the middle. Since acquiring Perkins and installing both he and Ibaka into the lineup, the Thunder have been holding opponents to 10.5 fewer points per game.

The Nuggets have seen a similar improvement in their defense, only they did addition by subtraction. Since sending Anthony and Billups to New York, Denver has been a better a team on both ends of the court. The new personnel might not be as talented, but the Nuggets played their best ball after the trade for a reason. Point guard Ty Lawson has led a fast-paced attack, and he is surrounded by a barrage of 3-point gunners. Manning the middle are Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen.

OKC and Denver met three times in the regular season with the Thunder taking three out of four games, including a win at Denver. The road win is key because the Nuggets are one of the league’s top teams at home. On the same note, Denver struggles on the road. The road issues have improved since the big trade, but the Nuggets still aren’t likely to steal a game from the Thunder in Oklahoma City. With OKC having home court advantage, it is tough not to give the Thunder an edge.

In terms of matchups, Denver doesn’t have anyone that can lock down Durant, and Lawson is going to struggle containing the bigger Westbrook. OKC won’t be able to completely shut down Denver either, but having Perkins in the middle will make life a little more difficult for the Nuggets on the offensive end. Denver is good enough at home to win a game or two in this series, but the Thunder are better equipped to win in the playoffs. Check the opening NBA odds for Nuggets-Thunder Game 1 below.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder Win in 6 Games

NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
Oklahoma City Thunder -215
Denver Nuggets +180