Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Predictions & Player Props [April 20]
- Hashim Kolawole
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Game Info
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Where to Watch: ABC, NBA League Pass
Betting Odds
Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total Points |
Denver Nuggets | -2.5 | -140 | 219.5 |
Los Angeles Clippers | +2.5 | +120 | 219.5 |
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook (subject to change)
Preview
Denver Nuggets Preview
The defending champions start the playoffs with something to prove, wrapping up the regular season with a 50-32 record. Nikola Jokic is rewriting the definition of center, almost averaging a triple-double for the season. Denver shrugged off a couple of rough spots late in the season with a strong finish, beating Houston — eventually finishing in the top six. Jamal Murray’s return from injury provides an extra boost, and the Nuggets will be hoping their core trio of Jokic, Murray and Porter Jr. can light the fires for another extended run in the postseason.
Projected Starting Lineup:Murray, Braun; Porter Jr, Gordon; Jokic
Los Angeles Clippers Preview
The Clippers come into the series arguably as the hottest team in the N.B.A., winning 18 of 21 games down the stretch and ending the regular season by winning its last eight. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard gave vintage performances in their OT win over the Warriors, and with the bulk of their roster healthy, the Clippers appear poised for a playoff run. Leonard‘s health still very much matters, but the Clippers are a legitimate threat with the momentum behind them, and it’s mostly not out of the question.
Projected Starting Lineup:Harden, Dunn; Powell, Leonard; Zubac
Key Stats
8: The number of straight games the Clippers have won heading into the playoffs
Nuggets beat Clippers twice during regular season, winning games by a combined 45 points
(Jokic finished the season just three rebounds shy of a triple-double average, 26.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.7 APG)
In 3 of his previous 4 games Kawhi Leonard has managed to score 30+ points
After starting the year 5-4, the Clippers have been on fire, going 18-3 in their last 21 games.
Player Props
Nikola Jokic Over 8.5 Assists: Jokic works as Denver’s offensive hub, and he’s hit this mark in 7 of his last 10 games.
James Harden Over 2.5 Threes Made: Harden hit 6 threes against the Warriors and has been shooting the ball a ton from deep lately.
Final Prediction
The Clippers are playing too well to look past despite Denver’s home-court edge and the league’s MVP. With Leonard and Harden both firing on all cylinders, and the supporting cast peaking at the right time, Los Angeles has any number of potential paths to stealing Game 1 on the road.
Prediction: Clippers to win (+120), Total Points: Under 219.5
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