The Denver Nuggets showcased their dominance in a Game 7 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, winning 120-101 and advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs. The Nuggets' centerpiece, Nikola Jokić, continues to impress, having averaged a triple-double in the series with 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists. This remarkable consistency positions him as a significant contender for this season's MVP, although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder is viewed as a strong favorite for the award.

As the Nuggets prepare for their matchup against the Thunder, who boasted the NBA's best defense during the regular season, Jokić's all-around game will be closely scrutinized. With a history of success, including three MVP titles and a championship, Jokić's ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial. This series is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown between two of the league's elite players, as both Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander seek to lead their teams to victory.

The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Houston Rockets in a thrilling Game 7, setting the stage for an exciting series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This victory highlighted the Warriors' resilience and strategic depth, making them formidable contenders in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers faced disappointment as James Harden struggled in their Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets, with concerns arising about his performance and future in crucial games.

As the playoffs progress, fans eagerly anticipate the matchup between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two of the league's brightest stars, in the second round. Their performance will be pivotal for both teams as they aim for success in the postseason. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons' season ended on a somber note following their defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks, leading to speculation about the team's future direction and strategies.

The Eastern Conference semifinal series kicks off with the Boston Celtics facing the New York Knicks for the fifth time this season, with Boston having swept the regular-season series. Jayson Tatum has been a standout, averaging 33.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in those matchups. With Tatum being a cost-effective choice for NBA DFS, he could be a valuable asset against New York. Additionally, the Celtics welcome back Jrue Holiday, who missed three games due to a hamstring injury. His return will influence Boston's lineup strategy.

In the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, the two teams split their regular-season encounters. Nikola Jokic's two triple-doubles in those games make him another intriguing pick for DFS lineups. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate, is also highlighted, scoring an impressive 32.7 points per game this season. With the Thunder's extended rest period, Gilgeous-Alexander could exploit the Nuggets’ fatigued lineup after their grueling series.

The 2025 NBA playoffs have concluded their first round, setting the stage for an exhilarating conference semifinal stage. The Denver Nuggets are gearing up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in an anticipated Game 1 matchup featuring two MVP frontrunners: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. The Thunder are favored by 9.5 points with an over/under of 225.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair is on the horizon.

Expert Jimmie Kaylor has made five bold picks for the matchup, highlighting Denver’s championship experience and projecting them to keep the game close. He anticipates Michael Porter Jr. to score over 13 points, benefiting from a favorable matchup. Similarly, Jalen Williams of Oklahoma City is projected to surpass 18 points, while Jokic is expected to record a triple-double, continuing his impressive postseason form. The synergy between offensive prowess and playoff intensity promises fans an electric Game 1.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, begin their second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, featuring Nikola Jokić, on Monday. After a week off, the Thunder are the favorites to win the NBA title with +135 odds, while the Nuggets look to recover quickly from their intense Game 7 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both teams split their regular-season series, each winning two games, although one match was particularly close. The Thunder's extended break may lead to rust, while the Nuggets are fresh off a hard-fought victory. Despite the Thunder’s higher seeding and current betting lines favoring them at -9.5, the analysis suggests it might be a tighter contest than the odds indicate.