Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets will be hoping to square up the series after getting embarrassed by the Clippers in a demoralizing 117-83 defeat in Game 3. Nikola Jokic led the team with a triple-double of 23 points with 13 rebounds and 13 assists, Jamal Murray added 23 points while Aaron Gordon chipped in with 15 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring.
As a team, the Nuggets shot just 40 percent from the field and seven of 26 from the 3-point line as they struggled from the start and were never really in the contest after falling behind by 65-47 going into halftime. The Nuggets got just six points from their bench players, and Michael Porter shot just two of nine for his seven points. However, the Nuggets’ biggest issue was definitely on the defensive end, as they just allowed way too many uncontested layups and dunks in this one.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers will be brimming with confidence after they took the lead in the series with a dominant win in Game 3 on Thursday. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, James Harden and Norman Powell each scored 20 points while Ivica Zubac chipped in with 19 points on eight of 12 shooting.
As a team, the Clippers shot 48 percent from the field and 18 of 39 from the 3-point line as they got off to a quick start and cruised their way to an 18-point lead at halftime. Before, they played great defense and held the Nuggets to just 13 points in the fourth quarter to make it a complete blowout win at home.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last 10 games as favorites.
- The Nuggets have lost 13 of their 14 previous Western Conference First Round road games against Pacific Division opponents following a loss.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last seven day games against Pacific Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Clippers have lost four of their last six Western Conference First Round games as home favorites.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in six of the Nuggets’ last seven Western Conference First Round games.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six Western Conference First Round home games against Northwest Division opponents.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Ivica Zubac ranks T2nd in the league for second chance points (299) this season.
- Kris Dunn ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.6) this season.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic is the only qualified player in the league averaging at least 25.0 points, 10.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds this season.
- Christian Braun ranks 1st in the league for fast break points (403) this season.
Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets are keeping eyes on Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr, who are both questionable for this one, while the Clippers are coming in with a full squad once again. All the pressure is on the Nuggets to respond after an embarrassing defensive effort in Game 3, but I just don’t see them being able to make the adjustments quick enough, especially without their usual head coach.
The Clippers hold all the momentum in the series, they are the healthier team, and I expect them to dominate once again in this one. The Nuggets are having major issues trying to guard Leonard, and on the defensive end they are just allowing too many easy baskets.