It all comes down to one game tonight as the Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Clippers for a decisive Game 7 of their first-round series. The winner will move on to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round of the NBA Playoffs.
Here are the best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for this exciting matchup.
Clippers +1.5 (-112)
The Denver Nuggets are looking to put last year’s heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Minnesota behind them, but standing in their way is a veteran Clippers squad featuring future Hall of Famers James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers come off a 111-105 victory in Game 6, propelled by Harden’s 28 points and Leonard’s 27. Both players are ready to go the distance in Game 7, with Harden committed to playing whatever minutes it takes to help his team advance.
The Clippers have proven resilient in Game 7 situations, going 4-1 in the first round, but have struggled on the road in such games with their lone win coming in 2021 against Dallas. Despite that, coach Ty Lue’s recent adjustment of inserting the versatile Nicolas Batum into the starting lineup could give Los Angeles the defensive boost it needs to cover the +1.5 spread. Batum’s size and defensive ability will be crucial in limiting the Nuggets’ stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, while Leonard and Harden attack the paint.
Nikola Jokic Over 50.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
Nikola Jokic has averaged 25.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 10.5 assists over six games in the playoffs. However, his last two performances have been below his usual standards. With Game 7 on the line, Jokic is poised for a strong bounce-back performance. As the engine that drives the Nuggets, he’s expected to exceed 50.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists in this high-stakes showdown.
Ivica Zubac Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds (-125)
Ivica Zubac has been a key contributor for the Clippers throughout the series, averaging 18.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. After a solid 10-point, six-rebound showing in Game 6, Zubac is due for a bigger performance in Game 7. His presence on both ends of the floor, particularly in the rebounding department, will be crucial for Los Angeles as they look to contain the Nuggets’ interior presence. Expect Zubac to hit the over on 28.5 combined points and rebounds.
