Clippers vs. Nuggets Picks and Prediction – 4/19/2025

Los Angeles Clippers (50-32) vs. Denver Nuggets (50-32)
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV: ESPN

Previous Games:

  • Clippers: Ended the season on an 8-game win streak

  • Nuggets: Won 3 straight to close the regular season

Head-to-Head:

The Nuggets swept the regular season series against the Clippers, but with Kawhi and Harden healthy and LA red-hot entering the postseason, this Game 1 opener is shaping up to be tighter than expected.

Los Angeles Clippers Breakdown:

The Clippers have been rolling to close the year, winning 9 of their last 10 games while averaging 119.4 points per game and shooting 51.9% from the field. James Harden has been the catalyst, averaging 24.0 PPG and 9.0 APG during that stretch. Their defense has also stepped up, allowing just 106.0 points per game over their last 10. The Clippers are also getting solid interior production from Ivica Zubac, who’s pulling down 13.7 rebounds per game.

Key Players:

  • James Harden: 24.0 PPG, 9.0 APG

  • Ivica Zubac: 13.7 RPG

Denver Nuggets Breakdown:

Denver has been more inconsistent, going 5-5 in their last 10 while giving up 117.1 points per game. While Nikola Jokic remains dominant with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, the team hasn’t been great defensively, and their free throw percentage (74.9%) could be a concern in a tight playoff matchup. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are providing solid support, but the Nuggets will need to step up on the defensive end.

Key Players:

  • Nikola Jokic: 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG

  • Michael Porter Jr.: 18.2 PPG, 2.2 threes (38.6%)

Betting Trends:

Los Angeles Clippers:

  • 13-4 ATS in their last 17

  • 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games

  • Over has hit in 4 of their last 5

Denver Nuggets:

  • 2-12 ATS in their last 14 home games

  • Over has hit in 9 of their last 13

  • Covered the spread in just 7 of their last 20

Exact Score Prediction:

Los Angeles Clippers 114 – Denver Nuggets 111

Our Best Bet:

Los Angeles Clippers +2.5 (-110)

The Clippers are peaking at the right time and enter this series full of momentum. They’ve been a top ATS team down the stretch, while the Nuggets have struggled to cover, especially at home. With Harden leading the way and LA’s supporting cast stepping up, the Clippers have value either winning outright or covering in a tight game.

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