Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers will be aiming to reclaim the series lead after suffering a heartbreaking 101-99 defeat to the Nuggets in Game 4 on Saturday. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 24 points, Norman Powell added 22 points, Ivica Zubac added 19 points with 12 rebounds and six assists while James Harden chipped in with 15 points and 11 assists.
As a team, the Clippers shot 44 percent from the field and 10 of 30 from the 3-point line as they caught fire in the fourth quarter to overcome a 22-point deficit. Only to get stunned at the buzzer, where the Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon tipped in a missed shot to snatch the game away in a shocking finish. Kris Dunn had a night to forget as he shot just one of nine from the field to finish with just three points, while no bench players scored more than seven points.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets must be feeling so lucky that they aren’t behind in the series after they took a crucial win in Game 4. Nikola Jokic continued his terrific form with 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists, Michael Porter Jr and Christian Braun each scored 17 points while Aaron Gordon chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.
As a team, the Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field and 10 of 29 from the 3-point line as they looked to be headed for overtime after they squandered a 22-point lead. Before Gordon saved the day with a clutch tip in to steal the game for the Nuggets at the buzzer.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last six games as underdogs against the Clippers following a win.
- The Clippers have lost 11 of their last 12 games at Ball Arena against Nuggets teams that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as underdogs against the Clippers following a win.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last 11 night games.
- The Nuggets have lost each of their last four games after winning as underdogs.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Northwest Division opponents after losing as favorites.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six home games against Pacific Division opponents.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic is the only qualified player in the league averaging at least 25.0 points, 10.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds this season.
- Christian Braun ranks 1st in the league for fast break points (403) this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Ivica Zubac ranks T2nd in the league for second chance points (299) this season.
- Kris Dunn ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.6) this season.
Nuggets vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are coming in with the same lineup, while the Nuggets are still keeping an eye on Russell Westbrook, who is listed as questionable for this one. The Clippers looked as though they were well on their way to a crucial win as they had all the momentum after they erased that 22-point deficit, but the Nuggets stole the game on a clutch play from Gordon.
The Nuggets open as slight underdogs at home, but you would have the Clippers as favorites too if you saw how they dominated most of the fourth quarter on Sunday. This should be another close one, but I think the Clippers are the better team and I like them to earn a crucial win here behind their superior defense.