LA Clippers (0-1) at Denver (1-0)
- When: Apr 21 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
Clippers vs Nuggets Game 2 Preview & Betting Breakdown
Spread: Clippers -1 | Total: 218.5
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Outlook
The Clippers dropped Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion, falling 112-110 in overtime to the Nuggets, and it wasn’t due to poor execution overall—just costly mistakes. LA turned the ball over 20 times, seven of which came from Kawhi Leonard alone. Despite that, they held Denver to just 49 first-half points and dictated the pace early.
James Harden was effective on both ends, and Ivica Zubac gave the Nuggets trouble inside. Leonard also had an efficient 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting. However, the Clippers veered away from attacking the paint in the second half, which may have cost them a crucial edge.
Head coach Tyronn Lue isn’t looking to change much, saying the rotation will stay intact. With minor clean-up, LA believes they can bounce back and take Game 2, which would shift the series in their favor heading home.
Prediction: Clippers cover the -1 spread in a close bounce-back win.
Player Prop Leans:
James Harden Over 9.5 assists
Kawhi Leonard Over 23.5 points
Ivica Zubac Over 11.5 rebounds
Denver Nuggets Betting Outlook
Denver was far from perfect but still managed to escape Game 1 with a win thanks to some clutch plays. Nikola Jokic flirted with a triple-double (27-12-9) and stabilized the offense, but Russell Westbrook delivered the big moments late—including a dagger 3-pointer and key defensive stops in OT.
Michael Porter Jr. started hot but faded fast. He finished with only three shot attempts after his opening triple and was benched during crunch time in favor of a more defensively sound lineup. The Nuggets leaned into grit rather than finesse to seal the victory.
If Porter can’t adjust to LA’s defensive schemes, don’t be surprised to see more Westbrook minutes down the stretch in Game 2. That said, expect Denver to be better offensively in half-court execution to ease the pressure off Jokic.
Prediction: Denver keeps it tight but falls short—Clippers even the series.
Player Prop Leans:
Nikola Jokic Over 26.5 points
Jamal Murray Over 2.5 threes
Russell Westbrook Over 0.5 steals
Final Prediction:
Final Score: Clippers 110, Nuggets 106
Pick: LA Clipper -1.0
Lean: Under 218.5
The Clippers clean up the turnovers and play with urgency, while Denver leans heavily on Jokic again. Expect LA to take control with a split before heading back to California.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
