LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Betting Tips - April 19 | 2025 NBA Playoffs, Game 1

The LA Clippers and the Denver Nuggets will clash in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Saturday. LA is seeded fifth but is arguably the more in-form team than Denver. The Clippers surged in the rankings with an 18-3 record since March.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets had to endure a controversial and chaotic ending to their season before ending up with the No. 4 seed. Denver struggled late, forcing the team to fire Mike Malone. Interim head coach David Adelman led the team to three straight wins, but it remains to be seen if they have moved past their hiccups.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Preview, Prediction, Predicted Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Moneyline: Clippers (+115) vs Nuggets (-135)

Odds: Clippers (+2.5) vs. Nuggets (-2.5)

Total (O/U): Clippers (o224.0 -110) vs. Nuggets (U224.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets preview

The LA Clippers, which vowed to hang their hats on defense when the season started, lived up to their promise. Despite injuries, they became an excellent defensive team. They will again lean on that identity in the playoffs against arguably the best passing big man in NBA history.

LA’s newfound calling card will be put on notice in the face of a Nikola Jokic-led assault. The Clippers better be on top of their game plan or the Nuggets could overrun them in Denver.

What Jokic has done this season is quite mind-boggling. He finished the season averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. Adelman knows he can count on the Joker to deliver. The interim coach will have to coax more out of a supporting cast that has not always met expectations.

Jamal Murray can’t afford to have another lackluster playoff like last year. The Nuggets need him to step up to help Jokic carry the team.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets predicted starting lineups

Clippers

PG: James Harden | PG: Kris Dunn | SG: Norman Powell | SF: Kawhi Leonard | C: Ivica Zubac

Nuggets

PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Michael Porter Jr. | PF: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

Nikola Jokic is averaging 33.2 PPG in April. Denver needs a big scoring game from the three-time MVP to beat the Clippers. The Joker likely tops his 27.5 (O/U) points prop.

Norman Powell has run rings around the Nuggets in the regular season, averaging 27.8 PPG behind 53.6% efficiency. Powell might not have the same explosive night, but he can still beat his 17.5 (O/U) points prop.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets prediction

The Clippers have been playing better than the Denver Nuggets over the past two months. Still, Ball Arena will be rocking in Game 1 on Saturday. The fans and the Mile High City home floor could give the Nuggets a badly needed boost to draw first blood.