LA Clippers (50-32) at Denver (50-32)
- When: Apr 19 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: ESPN
Clippers vs. Nuggets Playoff Betting Preview: Denver Favored in Game 1
Spread: Denver -2.5 | Total: 224.5
The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers square off in Game 1 of a high-stakes playoff series, and oddsmakers have made Denver a slim 2.5-point favorite at home. Despite a turbulent end to their regular season, the Nuggets hold home-court advantage thanks to an extra tournament win back in December and a better conference record in a 50-win tie.
Denver Nuggets Outlook
Denver may have had a chaotic finish to the season—firing their coach and GM in the final week—but interim coach David Adelman steadied the ship just in time. With three straight wins to close the season, the Nuggets now look to ride that momentum into the playoffs.
Leading the way is MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who just posted one of the most complete statistical seasons in league history. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, becoming the first center to average a triple-double over a full season. Expect Jokic to remain the focal point of Denver’s attack and see his usage ramp up even more in the postseason.
Jamal Murray, coming off a hamstring injury, will need to support the offense as the team’s second scoring option, while Aaron Gordon’s two-way versatility becomes even more critical. He’ll be matched up primarily with Kawhi Leonard, a major key to slowing down the Clippers. Also watch for Christian Braun’s role guarding James Harden off the bench.
Best Player Prop Picks (Denver):
Nikola Jokic Over 47.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Jamal Murray Over 5.5 Assists
Aaron Gordon Over 1.5 Steals + Blocks
Los Angeles Clippers Overview
Los Angeles closed the regular season on fire, winning eight straight and 18 of their last 21 to snag the fifth seed and avoid the play-in. The mid-season return of Kawhi Leonard has been a game-changer. His 21.5 points per game since returning have helped James Harden settle into more of a playmaker/scorer hybrid role. Harden paced the team with 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per contest.
One overlooked piece in this matchup is Norman Powell, who absolutely torched the Nuggets this season. He averaged nearly 28 points per game in the four head-to-head meetings, well above his usual production. Powell could be the X-factor for the Clippers in this series.
Ivica Zubac will have his hands full trying to contain Jokic in the paint. The Clippers’ defensive scheme will be tested early and often as they try to slow down Denver’s elite offensive execution.
Best Player Prop Picks (Clippers):
Norman Powell Over 19.5 Points
James Harden Over 8.5 Assists
Ivica Zubac Over 9.5 Rebounds
Betting Insight & Prediction
Despite the Clippers’ strong finish, Denver’s home-court edge, playoff experience, and Jokic’s all-around brilliance give them a slight edge in this one. The Nuggets have covered in five of their last six at home against the Clippers and come in with renewed chemistry and urgency.
Take the Nuggets -2.5 to cover in Game 1, and look for the Over 224.5 to hit, given both teams’ offensive firepower and playoff tempo.
Final Score Prediction: Nuggets 115, Clippers 111
Best Bet: Nuggets -2.5
Bonus Bet: Nikola Jokic Triple-Double (+odds market dependent)
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
