Western Conference NBA Playoff Race: Nuggets, Thunder & Best Bets

As the NBA season nears the playoffs, analysts Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers break down the Western Conference contenders, best betting trends, and top Monday night wagers.

 Early Game Betting Trends

• Early morning NBA games favor the under due to disrupted player routines.
• Recent example: Celtics vs. Nuggets both went under their team totals.
• Sportsbooks fail to adjust, creating profitable betting opportunities.

 Denver Nuggets Playoff Outlook

• Current Record: 39-22 (2nd in West)
• 4th toughest remaining schedule (Thunder, Lakers, Bucks, Rockets).
• Projected win total: 50.5
• Concerns:
  • Jamal Murray's inconsistency
  • Weak road performance
  • Bench depth issues
• Championship chances? Nuggets remain a contender but face major competition.

 Oklahoma City Thunder: Legit Contender?

• Thunder (-115) are favorites to win the West.
• Key concerns:
  • SGA's "free throw merchant" style (Playoff officiating impact?).
  • Lack of elite 3-point shooting.
• Biggest challenger? Lakers, not the Nuggets, may pose the toughest test.

 Best Bets for Monday Night NBA Games

1?? Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies

• Spread: Grizzlies -6.5
• Total: 251.5
• Best Bet: Grizzlies -6.5 (Hawks have one of the worst post-All-Star defenses).

2?? Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Spread: Thunder -11.5
• Total: 222
• Best Bets:
  • Rockets +11.5 (OKC 1-4 ATS in last 5 back-to-backs).
  • Over 222 (Thunder defense has slipped).

3?? Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks

• Spread: Mavericks -1.5
• Total: 232
• Best Bet: Lean Mavericks -1.5
• Player Prop: Kyrie Irving Over Points (30+ in last 2 vs. Kings).

 Best Bets & Player Props

 Best Bets

• Grizzlies -6.5 vs. Hawks
• Warriors -12 vs. Hornets
• Warriors Team Total Over (~118.5)
• Rockets +11.5 vs. Thunder
• Over 222 (Rockets vs. Thunder)
• Mavericks -1.5 vs. Kings

 Player Props

• Karis LeVert Over 12.5 Points (Hawks lack scorers, high total 251.5).
• Kyrie Irving Over Points vs. Kings.
• Steph Curry Over Points vs. Hornets (Homecoming game).

 Final Thoughts

• Nuggets are a contender but have depth concerns.
• OKC must prove it in the playoffs.
• Lakers are a real threat in the West.
• Best bets: Grizzlies & Warriors dominate, LeVert & Kyrie props offer value.

 Next Episode: Eastern Conference Playoff Outlook!