Clippers vs. Nuggets Picks and Prediction – 4/21/2025

Los Angeles Clippers (51-31) vs. Denver Nuggets (57-25)
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV: TNT, truTV, Max

Previous Game:

  • Nuggets: Won Game 1, 112-110 (OT)

  • Clippers: Outshot Denver 50% from the field and had more assists, but 20 turnovers proved costly

Head-to-Head:

Denver took Game 1 in dramatic fashion, overcoming a late deficit and forcing overtime with clutch plays from Russell Westbrook. Despite trailing for most of the game, the Nuggets showed veteran composure and used home-court momentum to sneak out the win.

Los Angeles Clippers Breakdown:

Los Angeles played well enough to win Game 1 but simply couldn’t take care of the ball. Their 20 turnovers flipped what should’ve been a road win into a crushing overtime loss. Still, the Clippers have plenty of reasons to feel confident—they shot 50% from the field, controlled the pace early, and got a vintage performance from James Harden.

Key Players:

  • James Harden: 32 points, 11 assists

  • Kawhi Leonard: 22 points

  • Ivica Zubac: 21 points, 13 rebounds

The Clippers are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games and have won 8 of their last 10 overall. If they can clean up the turnovers, they’re very live in Game 2.

Denver Nuggets Breakdown:

Denver came through in the clutch behind Nikola Jokic’s steady play and timely heroics from Russell Westbrook. The Nuggets struggled offensively at times, shooting just 43.6% from the field, but their defensive grit and ability to force turnovers bailed them out.

Key Players:

  • Nikola Jokic: 29 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds

  • Aaron Gordon: 25 points

  • Jamal Murray: 21 points, 9 rebounds

The Nuggets have failed to cover in 12 of their last 18 games and are just 3-2 in their last 5 at home. Even with the Game 1 win, they didn’t look entirely in sync.

Betting Trends:

Los Angeles Clippers:

  • 8-2 in their last 10 games

  • 14-4 ATS in their last 18

  • OVER in 4 of their last 6

Denver Nuggets:

  • 6-12 ATS in their last 18

  • UNDER in 5 of their last 7 vs. Clippers

  • Lost 3 of their last 5 home games

Exact Score Prediction:

Los Angeles Clippers 112 – Denver Nuggets 108

Our Best Bet:

Los Angeles Clippers +1.5 (-110)

Despite the OT loss, the Clippers looked like the better team for most of Game 1. They shot more efficiently, had more assists, and proved they can win in Denver. The turnovers were the only real issue—and that’s fixable. With Kawhi, Harden, and Zubac in rhythm, we expect the Clippers to even the series tonight.

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