The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Denver Nuggets tonight at Paycom Center for a decisive Game 7 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The series is tied 3–3, with both teams showcasing their strengths throughout the matchup. The Thunder, returning home after a Game 6 loss, aim to leverage their home-court advantage and strong first-half performances to cover the first half spread.

The Thunder's ability to start games strong is evident in their playoff performances. In Game 2, they scored 87 points in the first half, setting a franchise playoff record . Their home-court advantage has been significant, with a 4–1 home record in the playoffs, indicating their propensity to build early leads at Paycom Center.

The Thunder's defensive schemes have effectively limited the Nuggets' supporting cast, allowing them to focus on containing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In games where the Thunder have established early defensive pressure, they've been able to disrupt Denver's offensive rhythm, leading to early leads. Additionally, the potential absence of Aaron Gordon due to a hamstring injury could impact the Nuggets' defensive versatility, providing the Thunder with opportunities to exploit mismatches early in the game.

Denver were the 2nd least profitable team by ROI during the regular season in the first half spread markets, finishing the season with a 38-56 1st half record against the spread which wasa  -24.28% ROI on flat staked bets, with the Hornets being the only team with a worse record. In the playoffs, Denver are just 5-8 against the spread in the first half.

The Thunder on the other hand have been a formidable 1st half team all season, ranking 5th in ROI against first half spreads and with a 53-40 ATS record. In this years playoffs, the Thunder have gone 4-1 against the spread in the 1st half in their home games, showcasing an ability to start well behind the home crowd this postseason. 

Considering that the Thunder are coming off a loss, they will be extra motivated to get off to a good start, hence making this an intriguing bet to take in Game 7 as there is a good chance that the Nuggets experience could prevail in the second half. 

Best odds available at Bet365.