• Nuggets-Thunder Game 7 will feature intense defense and star players like Nikola Joki? and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepping up.
• Aaron Gordon’s injury could impact Denver, but his toughness means he’s likely to play despite the stakes in this Nuggets-Thunder matchup.
• Jalen Williams is expected to bounce back with a strong all-around performance to help OKC during the Nuggets-Thunder showdown.

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied and heading into a crucial Nuggets-Thunder Game 7. After Nikola Joki? scored 44 points in Game 5 but the Nuggets still lost, Denver bounced back strong with a 119-107 win in Game 6 on Thursday. Now, the two teams will face off once more to decide who moves on.

This series has shown that both teams are serious contenders for the NBA title. It’s surprising such a great matchup came so early in the playoffs. As fans wait for the final game, here are some bold predictions about what we might see in the Nuggets-Thunder clash.

Joki? to Shine in Assists and Points

Nikola Joki? had an amazing regular season and first playoff round, averaging a triple-double. But the Thunder’s defense has kept him from reaching that mark in this series. Before Game 6, he hadn’t come close. However, he turned it around with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in that game.

Still, Joki?’s teammates haven’t always made the most of his passes. For example, in Game 5, he had 20 potential assists, but only five shots went in. In Game 7, expect his teammates to finish better. Joki? should hit double-digit assists this time. His points and rebounds will likely stay strong too.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ready to Explode

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has had a good postseason but is scoring less than in the regular season. He averages 28.4 points now, down from 32.7. He hasn’t scored 40 points in a game yet, even though he did it 13 times during the regular season, including four 50-point games.

Right now, it feels like SGA could have a big scoring night at any moment in this Nuggets-Thunder game. Since his teammate Jalen Williams struggled in Game 6, SGA will probably take on more of the offensive load. Expect him to attack the basket often, draw fouls, and hit pull-up jump shots. This could lead to a huge 40-plus point game in Game 7.

Nuggets Concerned Over Aaron Gordon’s Injury

The Nuggets had a lot to celebrate after winning Game 6. But the win came with worries. Near the end of the game, Aaron Gordon hurt his hamstring while chasing a loose ball. Head coach David Adelman said the injury is a serious concern. Still, he noted the extra day of rest before Game 7 is helpful since the team has played eight playoff games in 15 days.

Gordon will get plenty of treatment before Sunday. He might not be 100%, but expect him to play through the pain. Gordon’s defense, passing, rebounding, and scoring have been key this postseason. He has already scored two game-winning shots. His competitive spirit suggests he won’t sit out the series-deciding Nuggets-Thunder game.

Jalen Williams Ready for a Big Game

Jalen Williams struggled with his shooting in Game 6, making just 3 of 16 shots. This led to some criticism online. But Williams does more than just score. In Game 6, he had 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block. His tough defense helped keep the Thunder in the game.

Williams will keep contributing in these ways in Game 7. Plus, his points will come too. In the last three games, he scored 10, 18, and 6 points. It looks like he is due for a breakout. Expect him to step up and deliver on Sunday.

Close and Competitive Series Throughout

Except for the Thunder’s big 43-point win in Game 2, this series has been very competitive. Both teams have had their stars held in check sometimes. Joki? averaged 21.3 points on just 33.3% shooting from Games 2 to 4. SGA had off nights in Games 3 and 4, averaging 21.5 points on 36.6% shooting.

The role players on each team have taken turns having big games. Both defenses have been strong and focused. And the star players have still managed to have huge moments. This battle will reach its peak in Game 7.

Thunder’s Home Court Advantage Could Be Key

Game 7 will be played in Oklahoma City during the Nuggets-Thunder matchup. Playing at home usually gives a team an edge. The Thunder’s crowd will be loud and energized, pushing their team to give maximum effort. The final game will likely be close and have a lower score due to tough defense.

If SGA and Williams both have big games, the Thunder could win and advance. That victory would set up a thrilling Western Conference Finals matchup between the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What’s Next?

Game 7 will show which team is stronger and ready to move forward. Both the Nuggets and Thunder are athletic, physical, and talented. This series has been a showcase of great basketball.

Expect a tough fight on Sunday. Fans can look forward to a dramatic finish to this exciting series. Whoever wins will face a tough challenge next in the conference finals.

This Game 7 promises big plays, intense defense, and star performances. Stay tuned for a showdown between two of the NBA’s best teams.