LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan.8 | 2024-25 NBA Season

The LA Clippers will limp into Ball Arena after a tough 106-108 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and face a hungry Denver Nuggets team that suffered a hard-fought defeat against the Boston Celtics. This will be the final matchup of the four-game series between the Western Conference teams this season, with the Clippers leading 2-1. The LA outfit won both of their home games and the Nuggets will look to even the series with a win on Wednesday.

The Nuggets come into this game in solid, if unspectacular, form, having won four of their last six games. Nikola Jokic has been key during this stretch, leading the team in points, assists, and rebounds, highlighting his ability on the court. He has firmly put himself in the conversation for MVP.

Jayson Tatum exposed the Nuggets's defense in the absence of Jokic, as the Celtics forward went for 29 points and added 6 assists. Despite having the likes of Russell Westbrook, they have struggled to dominate as expected, marking a concerning trend that Michael Malone needs to address urgently.

On the other hand, the Clippers seemingly can't get out of their own way. Every time they take a step forward, they immediately take one back. They were on a three-game winning streak only two weeks ago and played outstanding basketball against teams like the Grizzlies and the Warriors. However, their performance is not entirely convincing, as it still shows signs of a team trying to find its rhythm.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan.8

LA Clippers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

The Clippers are relatively healthy, with Kawhi Leonard seemingly regaining his form since his injury. The Clippers also looked much more capable defensively. However, the Clippers star won't be suiting up for the team to tend to family who were forced to evacuate due to the Los Angeles-area wildfires.

The other absentees are Cam Christie (On Assignment), Trentyn Flowers (Two-Way), and Kai Jones (Two-Way).

The starting five could look like Derrick Jones Jr., Ivica Zubac, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kris Dunn for Wednesday's clash.

Point Guards	James Harden	Kevin Porter Jr.	Bones Hyland
Shooting Guards	Kris Dunn	Jordan Miller
Small Forwards	Norman Powell	Amir Coffey
Power Forwards	Derrick Jones Jr.	Kai Jones
Centers	Ivica Zubac	Mo Bamba

Denver Nuggets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

The fitness of Nikola Jokic is still uncertain after being ruled out of the last game against the Boston Celtics. His status will be determined closer to tip-off due to illness.

The Nuggets will miss Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined with a calf sprain. Spencer Jones will not play because of a thigh injury. Additionally, Vlatko Cancar, who has a knee injury, will be reassessed in eight weeks.

Barring any last-minute changes, Michael Malone is expected to use the following unit to make things as difficult as possible for the Clippers: Dario Saric, Michael Porter Jr., Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun.

Point Guards	Jamal Murray	Russell Westbrook	Jalen Pickett
Shooting Guards	Christian Braun	Julian Strawther	Trey Alexander
Small Forwards	Michael Porter Jr.	Hunter Tyson
Power Forwards	Dario Saric	Peyton Watson	Aaron Gordon
Centers	Nikola Jokic	DeAndre Jordan	Zeke Nnaji