Shaquille O'Neal Confidently Picks Winner of Thunder-Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 5, 2025 9:04 PM ET

The No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder open their second-round NBA playoffs series against the No. 4 Denver Nuggets on Monday with a home game at Paycom Center.

The Thunder, who have major championship aspirations this year, will put their mettle to the test against Nikola Jokic and a Nuggets team that is just two years removed from an NBA title.

NBA on TNT will be providing coverage for Monday's game, which prompted a colorful discussion between the "Inside the NBA" crew ahead of tip-off.

Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O'Neal, who already revealed previously that he has the Nuggets over the Thunder in this series, confidently explained why he believes it's going to be Denver who will come out on top in Game 1.

"I'm going with Denver," O'Neal said. "[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] and his team has had eight days off. Been going perfect for their season right now. ... Yeah, I like Denver in the opener."

The Fellas make their predictions for tonight's OKC & Denver matchup ️ pic.twitter.com/zrcql8tkhP
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 5, 2025

Kenny Smith seconded O'Neal's pick, but, unsurprisingly, Charles Barkley was on the opposing front. According to Barkley, he believes it's the Thunder who will get the win on Monday night.

As O'Neal pointed out, momentum and fitness could be a factor in this one. The Nuggets are coming off a Game 7 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Thunder have been off for more than a week after they swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round.

Whether or not this benefits Denver or OKC in Game 1 remains to be seen. Tip-off on TNT is scheduled at 9:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: