OC DOOLEY
Nuggets / Thunder Over 212
Even though we have a lofty spot, this total has somewhat been kept in check as Denver star Carmelo Anthony will be missing a second consecutive contest due to a death in the family. Anthony has always had success when facing the Oklahoma City defense, putting up an average of 29 points per game. Even though the star player is out, Denver ’s roster recently received some additional scoring punch as veteran Kenyon Martin (knee) is finally active after missing the initial 26 games. Also back in the Nuggets lineup after battling wrist problems is veteran Chauncey Billups who is dishing out on average 5 assists per contest. On Wednesday of this week Billups (20 points, 7 assists) certainly made his presence felt. Tonight’s ESPN televised showcase is headlined by NBA leading scorer Kevin Durant who has put up 27 points per game for Oklahoma City . The last five times Durant has faced Denver in front of the home fans, he has reached the THIRTY point mark all 5 times. Oklahoma City ’s second-leading scorer Russell Westbrook is dishing out on average 8 assists per contest, which gets his teammates involved. Even though Oklahoma City is loaded with talent and got a Sports Illustrated cover in their NBA preview issue, the Thunder have had problems on the defensive end of the floor. Okie City is 5-1 OVER the total in six “divisional” contests so far where they have allowed the opposition to put up 108 points per pop. In the last five outings overall, Denver’s defense has permitted a stunning average of 111 points per contest, which makes it imperative for both offenses to have a big night. Oklahoma City is 12-3 OVER/HOME the past two years versus poor defensive opponents who allow on average at least 103 points per game. For this entire season to date Oklahoma City is an eye opening 8-1 OVER/HOME when cast as a favorite of between 6’-and-12 points, which is the case this evening