Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/04/2025, 13:47  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 19/04/2025 at 02:55 in NBA Predictions

Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs first-round clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers will tip off on Saturday at Ball Arena. The winner of this series between the Nuggets and Clippers will face either OKC or the Grizzlies in the Conference semi-finals. Let's get into the match prediction. 

The last time these two sides met in the postseason was back in the second round in 2020 when the Denver Nuggets rallied from 3-1 down to clinch the series 4-3 in Game 7. 

However, the Nuggets enter this season’s Playoffs with a cloud of uncertainty. They decided to axe Michael Malone three games before the end of the regular season, with David Adelman now serving as interim coach. 

While Nikola Jokic had yet another incredible year, Denver did not end the season well. After going 37-19 from the start of the term, they were 13-13 in their final 26 games and 3-4 in their last seven. 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers ended the regular season in fine form, winning each of their last eight games, while going 19-9 since the All-Star Weekend, which was the sixth-best record overall. 

Additionally, the Clippers finished level on 50-32 with the Nuggets and were a tad unfortunate not to get home-court advantage after splitting the series 2-2, owing to a tiebreaker. 

However, what LA does have in their favour is a healthy Kawhi Leonard, who is in the form of his life. He averaged 26.7 PPG, 6.3 rebounds and a 50% shot conversion from deep across the last six games of the season.