The Los Angeles Clippers (21-18) battle the Denver Nuggets (24-13) in the Mile High City Thursday. Tip from Ball Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Clippers vs. Nuggets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Nuggets lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-111 Tuesday, failing to cover as 4.5-point road favorites. Denver is 18-19 against the spread (ATS) this season. It is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 and is 14-3 straight up at home. Denver’s strength is in its offensive efficiency, ranking 2nd in FG percentage (50.8%) and 1st in 3-point FG percentage (39.8%).
The Clippers lost to the Miami Heat 110-100 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 1-point home underdog. LA is 0-2 ATS in its last 2, but still 5-3 ATS in its last 8. The Clippers’ strength is in its defensive efficiency, ranking 5th in opponents’ FG percentage (45.7%) and 3rd in opponents’ 3-point FG percentage (34%).
Clippers at Nuggets odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 11:42 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Clippers +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Nuggets -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +4.5 (-102) | Nuggets -4.5 (-118)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Clippers at Nuggets key injuries
Clippers
- F Nicolas Batum (ankle) out
- F Paul George (hamstring) questionable
Nuggets
- F Jeff Green (finger) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Clippers at Nuggets picks and predictions
Prediction
Clippers 114, Nuggets 112
Moneyline
PASS.
The Clippers have a good defense to keep things close, and with F Kawhi Leonard set to play and George questionable, I wouldn’t hate a sprinkle on their moneyline.
Nonetheless, I would pass here and play the points.
Against the spread
BET CLIPPERS +4.5 (-102).
The Clippers are a strong 5-3 ATS in their last 8 games and should have 2 superstars taking the court. Los Angeles is 11-5 straight up with Leonard in the lineup. The Clippers defense should be good enough to keep the Nuggets’ 3-point prowess at bay as well.
Los Angeles ranks 5th in defensive rating, and considering the Nuggets are 24-13 yet rank 10th in net rating, their ranking there suggests their win percentage is a bit misleading. The size of C Ivica Zubac should help tame 2-time MVP C Nikola Jokic as well.
Ultimately, considering the strenth of the Los Angeles’ defense and with Leonard on the court, back the CLIPPERS +4.5 (-102).
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 228.5 (-108).
The Los Angeles Under has been a strong play all season with it being 16-23 O/U. The Clippers have gone Under in 2 of its last 3 and are 1-2 O/U with a total of 228 or 228.5 this season.
These teams rank 19th and 22nd in pace, so this won’t necessarily be a high-tempo game, and with the Clippers defensive prowess limiting an efficient Denver attack, I would back the UNDER 228.5 (-115).
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