LA Clippers (14-11) vs. Denver Nuggets (12-10)
December 13, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Nuggets -6.5; Over/Under: +226
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at the Ball Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers Prediction. This article will include a Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers Pick.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been in a bit of a rut as they’ve lost four of their last seven games overall and they will be hoping to bounce back after getting routed by the Rockets in a 117-106 loss on Sunday. Bones Hyland led the team in scoring with 22 points off the bench, Ivica Zubac added 21 points with 12 rebounds and two blocks while Norman Powell chipped in with 17 points.
As a team, the Clippers shot 44 percent from the field and 11 of 34 from the 3-point line as they struggled to get going and fell behind by 12 points at halftime and they just couldn’t mount any comeback after trailing by 16 points late in the fourth quarter. The Clippers will face the Jazz following this one.
Denver Nuggets
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been in decent shape as they’ve split their last six games and they will be eager to build some momentum after making light work of the Hawks in a 141-111 road win on Sunday. Nikola Jokic continued his strong form with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists, Michael Porter Jr added 26 points on 12 of 17 shooting while Christian Braun chipped in with 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
As a team, the Nuggets shot a sizzling 62 percent from the field and 12 of 27 from the 3-point line as they dominated from the start and they never took their foot off the gas until the final buzzer. The Nuggets will take on the Kings and Trail Blazers after this game.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Clippers have lost each of their last eight games at Ball Arena against Nuggets teams that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have won seven of their last eight night games against the Clippers at Ball Arena.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine night games following a home loss.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in five of their last six games at Ball Arena against Clippers teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Nuggets’ last 14 home games against Pacific Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of the Clippers’ last eight road games following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (13.6) this season.
- Michael Porter Jr. ranks 16th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (51.2%) this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Norman Powell ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for 3P% (48.6%) this season.
- Ivica Zubac ranks 4th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.2) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for assists per game this season (30.9).
- The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for opponent assists per game this season (29.9).
- The Clippers rank 2nd in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (9.4).
- The Clippers rank 29th in the league for Q2 points per game this season (25.6).
Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr, while the Nuggets are keeping an eye on Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon for this one. The Clippers are doing it tough at the moment and their confidence took a shot after getting routed by the Rockets in their last game, while the Nuggets will be feeling good after putting on 141 points in a big win over the Hawks who were riding a six-game win streak. The Clippers are capable of pulling off the upset on the road, but I think the smarter play is with the Nuggets as Jokic has been playing at another level.
