The Best Same-Game Parlay for Nuggets vs Thunder (Game 5)

• The Denver Nuggets and OKC Thunder break their 2-2 series tie in Game 5 Tuesday night
• We’ve got an SGP featuring MVP candidates Nikola Jokic and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander
• See below for my three-leg, +500 NBA Playoff parlay for Nuggets vs Thunder

---

After splitting the opening four games of their second-round series, the Denver Nuggets and OKC Thunder are down to a best-of-three with a berth in the Western Conference final on the line. Game 5 goes Tuesday night at 9:30pm ET from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with TNT carrying the broadcast.

For betting purposes, I am lining up a three-leg Nuggets vs Thunder same-game parlay, and it’s only fitting that I include the two combatants for MVP: favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and reigning-MVP Nikola Jokic. If a three-leg parlay is too rich for your blood, check out Sascha Paruk’s Nuggets vs Thunder prediction for two straight-bets.

Nuggets vs Thunder Same-Game Parlay (Game 5)

NBA props from DraftKings Sportsbook on May 13. Download the top NBA betting apps to wager on the NBA playoffs.

Nuggets vs Thunder Parlay Leg #1 – Jokic Under 27.5 Points

We are watching Nikola Jokic getting worn down in real time. After exploding for 42 in a Game 1 upset, Jokic has averaged 21.3 points on an inefficient 33.3% form the floor.

Once a solid bet from downtown, he’s shooting a paltry 21.4% for the series, and just went 2-for-18 over the last two games at home.

Jokic has also logged 43+ minutes in back-to-back games, and has gone for at least 42 minutes in three of four contests, which have been played every other night.

OKC isn’t just bodying him with Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren or Jaylin Williams. They’re starting actions with Lu Dort or Jalen Williams covering him, aggressively fronting him, knowing their big is behind them waiting to take over.

It’s nothing the 3-time MVP hasn’t seen before, but it’s just wearing on him. With Denver’s offense cratering when he sits, Denver has no choice but to let their big man try to grind out points.

He’ll be around his total Tuesday, but I don’t think he tops his 27.5 line.

• The Bet: Jokic Under 27.5 Points (-115 at Bet365)

Nuggets vs Thunder Parlay Leg #2 – SGA Over 31.5 Points

From one MVP to another, and I’m sure Shai Gilgeous Alexander is happy to be back in the friendly confines of Paycom Center. While OKC got the all-important split on the road, SGA’s fourth quarter play in Game 3 cost them a chance to possibly return home and close it out.

He averaged just 21.5 points and shot a rough 36.6% from the field in Games 3 and 4.

It’s been a much different story for him at home, where he’s averaged 33.5 points on a crisp 23-for-39 from the field, a stellar 59% clip.

Unlike Jokic, SGA hasn’t been overly challenged or worked over, but he just missed a lot of shots that we’ve grown accustomed to him drilling.

In the biggest game of their season, Gilgeous-Alexander should be the most prominent Thunder player on the floor.

• The Bet: Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 points (-115 at Bet365)

Nuggets vs Thunder Parlay Leg #3 – Westbrook Over 10.5 Points

After rolling in prop wins to start these playoffs, my Russ Westbrook stock has taken a dive the last two games. The only reliable bench scorer for the Nuggets has scored just 14 points the last two games.

By comparison, the 2017 MVP had scored at least 14 points in his previous seven games (not including Game 2 vs the Clippers, where he played just nine minutes and suffered a foot injury.

Westbrook’s recent run has been ugly. He shot 2-for-12 in Game 4 with six points, while going just 3-for-8 for eight points in Game 3.

He’s been good on the road in the playoffs, averaging 17 points in the three full road games, averaging 18.5 points in his two visits to OKC this series.

If the Nuggets plan on escaping with a win, they’re going to need some bench support, and Westbrook should be the one to provide it.

• The Bet: Russell Westbrook Over 10.5 points (-115 at Bet365)