LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Preview | Oct. 26, 2024

The LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, who opened their 2024-25 NBA season with a loss, face each other on Saturday in Mile High City. James Harden and Co. nearly pulled off a comeback win in their home opener at the Intuit Dome but went down 116-113 in overtime. “The Beard” will once again lead the Clippers on the road.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets are still reeling from a 102-87 whipping at the hands of the OKC Thunder on their home floor on Thursday. Denver’s starters had a solid shift but the bench hardly produced. The hosts are healthy but have to snap out of their funk to get their first win of the season in front of their avid fans.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Preview, Prediction, Starting lineups, Odds and Betting Tips

Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado will host the showdown between the Clippers and the Nuggets. NBA TV will air the game live while streaming is available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Clippers (+275) vs. Nuggets (-350)

Spread: Clippers (+8.0) vs. Nuggets (-8.0)

Total (O/U): Clippers (o219.5 -110) vs. Nuggets (u219.5 -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 will continue to play without injured star Kawhi Leonard. Without the “Claw,” James Harden will lead Ty Lue’s crew. The Clippers showed resilience despite a lethargic start against the Suns before losing in extra time. Harden and his teammates must show the same fighting spirit against their opponents.

Harden stepped up when needed but couldn’t get consistent support from his teammates. LA will have a chance to win the game if the former MVP gets a boost from the supporting cast.

The Denver Nuggets' defense had no answer to the OKC Thunder’s aggressive defense, pace and efficient execution. They will not be facing the same juggernaut on Saturday but they can’t overlook the undermanned Clippers.

Mike Malone’s team again struggled in non-Jokic minutes, an issue the visitors could exploit. Jamal Murray hasn’t played to his standards since last season’s playoffs. He has to carry the team when “The Joker” gets a breather.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets predicted starting lineups

PG: James Harden | SG: Terance Mann | SG: Norman Powell | SF: Derrick Jones Jr. | C: Ivica Zubac

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

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

Jamal Murray gets a 19.5 (O/U) points prop on Saturday. Murray struggled against Oklahoma’s defensive menace in the perimeter led by Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. The Nuggets star will not be facing the same opposition from the Clippers, giving him a good chance to go over his points prop.

Ivica Zubac has an 8.5 (O/U) rebounding odds on Saturday. The Croatian, active under the boards against the Suns, has a good chance to grab at least nine versus the Nuggets.

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LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets prediction

The Clippers gave the star-studded Suns a big fight at home before going down. They will be on the road, however, when they face the Nuggets. Denver, following the embarrassing loss to the Thunder, has to be raring to make up for that against the Clippers.

The Nuggets are likely to hold serve at home and beat the Clippers against the -8.0 spread.