Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 04/21/25

The Clippers had their chances in Game 1 as they led by as many as 15 points, but turnovers killed them, especially late in the game. Kawhi Leonard committed 7 of them, you’d expect a lot more from a player of his stature in games of this magnitude. However, it would be unfair to blame Kawhi alone for the loss, the Clippers will have to do a lot better job in Game 2, especially with getting their bench more involved as they got just 13 points from two players off the pine. The oddsmakers haven’t been rattled too much after the Nuggets won the series opener, they once again have the Clippers as slight favorites to win on the road on Monday.

Other than Michael Porter Jr. who had an off night, the Nuggets got solid contributions from most of their core players and if you’re head coach David Adelman that must feel really good. Especially when it comes to Jamal Murray who had 21, 9 rebounds and 7 assists while playing 48 minutes despite having issues with his hamstring. Nikola Jokic had to work extra hard for his near triple-double of 29 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists but we expected that heading into the series as he matches up with DPOY candidate Ivica Zubac. Aaron Gordon completely outplayed Kawhi in Game 1, the Nuggets defense was extremely focused in not letting Leonard get easy looks.

Game 1 was hands down the most exciting game on Day 1 of the postseason, I expect nothing less from Tuesday’s game. I was encouraged by the Nuggets winning Saturday’s game despite getting only 3 points from MPJ. That surely will not happen in back-to-back games, I’m rolling with the Joker and co. for Game 2 as well.

Clippers vs Nuggets Game 2 Predictions: Nuggets +1 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.