The Denver Nuggets escaped with a 112-110 overtime win in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, but it took a full workload from their three-time MVP to make it happen. With the series set to continue Monday night at Ball Arena, all eyes are once again on Nikola Jokic as the Clippers attempt to even things up.
Jokic flirted with a triple-double in Saturday’s opener, finishing with 29 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds across 42 minutes. His all-around dominance continues to set the tone for Denver in the playoffs, and Game 2 figures to require another high-usage effort as the Clippers adjust their game plan.
Here is the featured Nikola Jokic prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for Monday’s Game 2 showdown against the Clippers:
Best Nikola Jokic Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
Over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120)
Jokic racked up 50 combined points, rebounds and assists in Game 1 and has now exceeded this line in four of his last six postseason appearances. He was especially effective as a playmaker, dishing out 12 assists while navigating double teams and finding cutters with precision. His rebounding total finished just shy of a triple-double, but he’s always a threat to rack up double-digit rebounds in a game.
The Clippers committed 20 turnovers in the series opener and often allowed Jokic to pick apart the defense once it got into rotation. Unless Los Angeles sharpens up its decision-making and closes passing lanes, Jokic will continue to generate offense both as a scorer and facilitator.
Jokic’s usage remains sky-high with Jamal Murray still managing through a hamstring injury. The Nuggets have also leaned into smaller lineups at times, which has put even more of the offensive burden on their superstar big man. Denver’s bench offered little scoring help in Game 1, further solidifying Jokic’s role as the initiator and finisher of the majority of its offensive sets.
With the Clippers intent on correcting their Game 1 miscues, expect another tight, high-leverage battle on Monday. And in games like that, the Nuggets turn to Jokic more than anyone else.
Given his production and centrality to everything Denver runs, this line remains realistic due to just how special Jokic is, especially if the game remains competitive into the final minutes. Jokic is well-positioned to go over 49.5 PRA once again.
