Preview of Nuggets vs. Thunder: Jokic vs. Alexander, Who Will Win the Opening Match?

At 10:00 AM on October 25, the NBA regular season will feature a strong matchup as the Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder were the top team in the Western Conference last season, while the Nuggets were second. Both teams are among the best in the league. In the playoffs last season, the Thunder lost to the Mavericks in the semifinals, exposing some weaknesses. During the offseason, the Thunder made targeted roster adjustments, trading away Josh Giddey and signing the tough interior player Isaiah Hartenstein and the defensive guard Alex Caruso, strengthening their weaker positions. With the “Big Three” still improving, the Thunder have become even stronger, and many fans see them as title contenders for the new season.

In five preseason games, the Thunder went 4-1, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all showing excellent form. Unfortunately, Hartenstein suffered a left hand fracture in a game against the Nuggets and will be out for at least six weeks, which will affect the Thunder’s frontcourt rotation early in the regular season, testing the coach’s lineup decisions. Facing the Nuggets, who have Nikola Jokic, the Thunder’s interior defense will face significant pressure.

The Nuggets also made changes to their roster during the offseason, signing Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric, re-signing Jamal Murray and DeAndre Jordan. However, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope joined the Magic, and Reggie Jackson moved to the 76ers, with Pope’s departure being particularly impactful. Over the past few seasons, Pope has been a starter for the Nuggets, known for his strong defense and solid shooting, roles that other players on the team will find hard to fill.

Of course, as long as Jokic is on the team, the Nuggets’ fundamentals won’t be too bad, and they remain one of the top teams in the West. In the preseason, the Nuggets performed averagely, with a 1-4 record, only avoiding a winless streak by defeating the Timberwolves in their final game. Currently, it looks like Westbrook will come off the bench, and how well he can lead the second unit will be crucial, given that the Nuggets’ bench strength is not particularly strong.

In this game, the Thunder will be without Hartenstein, Jalen Williams, and Kenrich Williams due to injuries, while the Nuggets have a full roster, with only rookie Jaylen Hoard sidelined. The Nuggets have a very strong home record, losing only eight games last season, but the Thunder managed to win at the Nuggets’ tough home twice last season, making this strong matchup highly suspenseful.

>>”>For more predictions on this game, click here>>>