4 hours ago
1
Look past his 42-point Game 1 performance and you’ll notice that Nikola Jokic is having a tough time with this athletic Thunder team.
The three-time NBA MVP hasn’t quite looked like his usual self through two games, and it’s fair to wonder whether he’s struggling to figure out this swarming defense, which ranked No. 1 in the regular season.
Bet365 bonus code NYPBET for Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 3
Looking to bet on the NBA playoffs?
Take advantage of this Bet365 bonus code NYPBET and get a $150 bonus for placing a $5 bet, win or lose.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Game 3 betting preview
Even with an abbreviated Game 2 thanks to the blowout, Jokic is averaging 29.5 points in the series, but that’s on 46.7 percent from the field, which is a huge step down from his regular-season average (57.6 percent).
The Thunder are letting him score, keeping the triple-double machine from getting his teammates involved.
Jokic has six assists in both games thus far — coming into the series, he hadn’t put up so few assists in a game since mid-March.
Perhaps the most alarming part of Jokic’s box score is the turnovers.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, loses control of the ball in Game 2. APJokic has given the ball up 13 times through two games, the second-most over a two-game stretch in his playoff career.
With few double teams coming his way, the Thunder can play the passing lanes while out-athleting the Nuggets, leading Jokic to cough up the ball more than normal.
Betting on the NBA?
- Check out the best NBA betting sites
- Read our guide on how to bet on basketball
Jokic’s turnover total is at 3.5, which is right around his regular-season average.
Against this Thunder team, expect to have a bit more than that.
The play: Nikola Jokic Over 3.5 turnovers (-130)
New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, NJ, IA, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account. Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
English (US)