LA Clippers (2-2) at Denver (2-2)
- When: Apr 29 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
NBA Playoffs Game 5 Preview Expert Predicitons: Clippers vs Nuggets
Spread: LA Clippers -2.0 | Total: 209.0
Denver Nuggets Betting Outlook
The Nuggets are coming into Game 5 riding a massive wave of momentum after Aaron Gordon’s historic buzzer-beating slam dunk tied the series at 2-2. Regaining home-court advantage was critical, but the job isn’t done yet. Denver has learned the hard way that winning Game 5 when tied 2-2 doesn’t guarantee anything — having lost Game 7 at home twice in recent years.
Nikola Jokic continues to be Denver’s rock, averaging 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 10.8 assists this series. He’ll once again be asked to do the heavy lifting with Russell Westbrook’s status uncertain (foot injury, game-time decision). The Nuggets’ rotation is paper-thin, and coach David Adelman is leaning heavily on his starters — Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun are all playing over 40 minutes per game.
Michael Porter Jr., nursing a shoulder injury, needs to find another gear offensively after averaging just 10.5 points so far.
Key Nuggets Player Prop Picks:
Nikola Jokic – Over 9.5 Assists
Aaron Gordon – Over 5.5 Rebounds
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Outlook
Despite the heartbreak in Game 4, the Clippers aren’t panicking. Kawhi Leonard has been brilliant on both ends, averaging 26.5 points while anchoring LA’s defense. His battle-tested leadership will be critical as the Clippers aim to steal another win in Denver.
James Harden, after a 32-point explosion in Game 1, has cooled off significantly — putting up just 17.7 points across the last three games. The Clippers’ depth has been an advantage, with eight players seeing meaningful minutes and keeping their core fresher compared to Denver’s exhausted starters.
Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac have quietly been huge X-factors for LA, contributing tough baskets and gritty defensive plays. Expect LA to ramp up the physicality again — both teams combined for six technical fouls in Game 4, and another chippy, high-energy matchup is expected.
Key Clippers Player Prop Picks:
Kawhi Leonard – Over 25.5 Points
James Harden – Over 2.5 Made Threes
Final Score Prediction & Game 5 Best Bets
This is the type of tight, high-stakes battle you expect in a 2-2 series, and depth could be the difference. With Denver’s starters logging heavy minutes and Westbrook questionable, the Clippers’ fresher legs and playoff experience give them a slight edge. Expect a gritty, defensive slugfest under the total.
Final Score: Clippers 105, Nuggets 101
Best Bets: Clippers -2
Total: Under 209.0 Points
Player Prop:
Kawhi Leonard Over 25.5 Points
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
