Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets will be hoping to bounce back in this one after falling painfully short to the Clippers in a 105-102 home defeat in Game 2 on Monday. Nikola Jokic led the team with a triple-double of 26 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists, Jamal Murray added 23 points with six assists while Michael Porter Jr tallied 15 points with 15 rebounds. As a team, the Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field and 14 of 32 from the 3-point line, and they dominated the boards by 50-32. However, the Nuggets were sloppy with the ball and committed 20 turnovers while shooting just 14 of 22 from the free throw line, which was the difference in a close game that could’ve easily gone either way.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers needed to steal a game to claim home-court advantage and they did just that with a gritty 105-102 road win in Game 2. Kawhi Leonard barely missed all night as he led the team with 39 points with five assists on 15 of 19 shooting, James Harden added 18 points with seven assists while Ivica Zubac chipped in with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. As a team, the Clippers shot 48 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they battled with the Nuggets in a close contest, before they turned to Powell and Leonard who both match clutch shots in the final 1:30 to drag the Clippers over the line.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last 10 night games.
- The Nuggets have lost 12 of their 13 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 six games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Pacific Division opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last four playoff games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Clippers have lost four of their last five Western Conference First Round games as home favorites.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Nuggets’ last six Western Conference First Round games.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five 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 an eye on Michael Porter Jr, who is questionable for this one, while the Clippers are coming in with a full squad once again. The Nuggets will be disappointed that they couldn’t win both of their home games, but they could easily be down 2-0 in the series given how close this series has been so far. The Clippers were able to arrest the momentum with a crucial win in Game 2. I think they can keep it going with another win in this one, but the line just seems a bit too high for what has been a tight contest so far.