NBA Matchup and Betting Odds<
The Denver Nuggets will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday with an opening tip time slated for 9:05 PM ET. The current NBA betting odds at Bookmaker shows Denver as a 10.0-point home favorite.
Recent Series History
These NBA Northwest Division rivals will be meeting for the first time this season. They squared off 3 times last season with Denver coming away victorious on 2 of those occasions. As a matter of fact, Denver has gone 8-1 SU&ATS in their last 9 against Oklahoma City. Furthermore, the Nuggets are an unblemished 5-0 SU&ATS in their previous 5 at home versus the Thunder while winning by an average of 9.8 points per contest. It also must be noted, all 5 of those wins came by 11 points or fewer.
Thunder ATM Machines on Road
Oklahoma City has been an incredible road underdog since the start of last season. Specifically, they have gone an outstanding 22-6 ATS (78.6%) in that role over that course of time. That includes an outstanding 5-1 SU&ATS this season.
Nuggets Home Struggles
Denver was a terrific 25-8 on their home floor a season ago. However, the Nuggets are just 3-5 straight up and 2-6 against-the-spread at the Pepsi Center this season. A major part for their bad start at home has been some shoddy defensive play. During those 8 home tilts, Denver has allowed their opponents to shoot an alarmingly high 48.1% and convert on 39.1% of its 3-point attempts.
Final Analysis and Pick
The stars appear to be lined up all in a row for this one. We have a sizable road underdog in Oklahoma City who has thrived in these situations based on a substantial sample size of results. Conversely, Denver has inexplicably been shaky at home to start the season. My NBA free pick for Tuesday 1/19 aligns itself well with what I have already conveyed throughout the course of this article.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder +10.0
Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com