Last spring, the Nuggets outlasted the Clippers in an epic seven-game series. This season, both clubs have their sights set on a trip to the NBA Finals. Wednesday’s meeting between these Western Conference contenders should give us more insight at this early juncture of the regular season.
Los Angeles will be without face of the franchise Kawhi Leonard (ankle) in this one. Can the Clippers pull off an upset at home against Nikola Jokic and company? Below is my prediction and pick for Wednesday’s game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Nuggets are 3.5-point favorites (-105) over the Clippers on DraftKings Sportsbook. Denver is favored at -155 on the moneyline. The total is set at 224.5 points.
Nuggets vs. Clippers prediction, preview
Losing a star player is never ideal, but there’s an opportunity for LA’s ‘other’ contributors to prove their worth. It helps that the Clippers are used to playing without the oft-injured Leonard. In addition to Kawhi, Bradley Beal will also miss Wednesday’s contest with a hip injury. That’s not as crucial of a blow; in fact, the veteran has been fairly ineffective thus far. Without the pair active, expect more minutes for role players such as Kris Dunn, Cam Christie and Nicolas Batum.
Head coach Ty Lue has helped build his squad into one of the NBA’s premier defensive units. On the other hand, offense has been hard to come by. The Clippers are averaging just 108.9 points per game, the third-lowest mark in basketball. Granted, that’s partially due to playing at the association’s slowest pace (95.6). However, this wasn’t an offensive juggernaut with Leonard healthy. In his absence, finding points becomes even more difficult for LA.
Tonight, most of the scoring burden will fall on James Harden. Through nine games, the former MVP has posted 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 9.3 assists. In addition, he’s delivered stellar 46/39/91 shooting splits. The Beard has scored less than 20 points during six of his previous ten meetings with Denver. No other player on Los Angeles’ roster has produced more than 15.0 points or 3.6 assists this season.
If there’s reason for optimism in LA, this is the second game in two nights for the Nuggets. Still, this is a spot Denver has thrived in before. Since 2023, the team has a 29-13 record on the second leg of a back-to-back. As always, this roster is led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The future Hall of Famer is putting together another terrific campaign. Over ten appearances, he’s accounted for 26.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game.
Unlike in years past, this isn’t a two-man show between Jokic and Jamal Murray. Denver was aggressive this offseason, fortifying its depth and starting lineup. As a result, the Nuggets own the NBA’s second-best defensive rating (110.2). That’s a stark contrast compared to their ninth-worst finish in that category last season. Denver ranks tenth in basketball with 38.1 bench points per game.
Nuggets vs. Clippers pick, best bet
Not counting the playoffs, this has been an even matchup as of late. Over the past two seasons, these clubs have gone 4-4 when facing each other. The Clippers have too much pride and too many good players to roll over tonight. However, Leonard’s absence makes it difficult to fully buy into Los Angeles on Wednesday. Expect a late surge that pushes the Nuggets towards a second straight road victory.
