- Get expert betting predictions and analysis for Clippers vs. Nuggets.
- Denver is -115 to win the series, while Los Angeles is -105.
- The Nuggets are 3.5-point favorites for Game 1.
The Los Angeles Clippers (50-32) and Denver Nuggets (50-32) will begin their first-round matchup with Game 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Ball Arena on ESPN. This series could go the distance with compelling storylines across the board.
Denver made significant changes in the final days of the regular season, but interim head coach David Adelman led the team to three consecutive wins to secure the No. 4 seed. He can strengthen his case to shed the interim label by leading Nikola Jokiฤ and the Nuggets on a deep playoff run.
The Clippers havenโt advanced past the first round since 2021, but Kawhi Leonard seems healthy at the perfect time. Leonard played 47 minutes in the regular-season finale, helping Los Angeles secure the No. 5 seed with an overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors.
Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for the Clippers vs. Nuggets and my prediction ahead of Saturdayโs Game 1:
Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds: Game 1
- Clippers spread: +3.5 (-115)
- Nuggets spread: -3.5 (-105)
- Total: 224.5 (-115/-105)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Round 1 Odds
According to the latest NBA betting lines, the Nuggets are -115 favorites to win Round 1 of the Western Conference playoffs for an implied probability of 53.49%. Denver opened as a -135 favorite, but 82% of the money has been on Los Angeles to win this opening-round matchup.
Clippers series price: -105 (Opened +115)
Nuggets series price: -115 (Opened -135)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Prediction: Game 1 & Series Best Bet
Based on the updated NBA betting market, my favorite predictions for the Clippers vs. Nuggets matchup involve backing Denverโs moneyline price (-150) in Game 1 and betting on over 5.5 games (-170) as my series best bet.
I understand why the market is backing the Clippers in this series. While Jokiฤ is the best player in this matchup, the Clippers have more depth, especially if Jamal Murray isnโt 100%.
However, I donโt see any value in the updated series odds. Thatโs why my Round 1 play is for this to be a competitive matchup, paying the -170 vig for this series to last at least six games.
This might be the best series in the first round. The Nuggets have the best player in the world and an underrated interim coach. Denver ranks fourth in offensive rating and is tough to beat at home, giving this team plenty of avenues to find a couple of victories.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have been an elite team with Leonard in the lineup. They have won nine straight games that heโs played, posting a 26-11 record since he made his season debut in early January.
I wouldnโt be surprised if this series goes the distance, but Iโm certainly willing to play the over on 5.5 games at -185 or better.
As for my Game 1 pick, Denver must take advantage of its altitude advantage early in the series.
The Clippers were the leagueโs third-best home team in their new Intuit Dome, outscoring opponents by 9.8 points per 100 possessions. If they steal one early, they would be in a great position.
Fortunately for the Nuggets, they are 14-4 at home over their previous two postseason trips.
Game 1 prediction: Denver ML (-150)
Series prediction: Over 5.5 games (-170)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Series History
| Date | Home | Result | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 8 | DEN | DEN 126, LAC 103 | DEN +3.5 | Over 224 |
| Dec. 13 | DEN | DEN 120, LAC 98 | DEN -7 | Under 227.5 |
| Dec. 1 | LAC | LAC 126, DEN 122 | LAC +3 | Over 225 |
| Oct. 26 | DEN | LAC 109, DEN 104 | LAC +7.5 | Under 218.5 |
Clippers Betting Insights & Trends
Nuggets Betting Insights & Trends
When Was the Last Time the Clippers Won a Playoff Series?
The Clippers last won a playoff series in 2021, reaching the Western Conference finals before suffering a 4-2 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers have been eliminated in the first round in back-to-back years.
When Was the Last Time the Nuggets Won a Playoff Series?
The Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round of the 2024 postseason before falling in seven games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets won the championship in 2023.
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