Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (1/5/23)

The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Denver Nuggets in a big matchup in the Western Conference. The Clippers have lost three in a row recently, with the most recent being to the Heat. The Nuggets are also coming off a loss and it was to the Timberwolves. This should be an interesting matchup in the Western Conference. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds

The Denver Nuggets are 4.5-point home favorites against the Clippers and are at -190 on the money line. The over/under is also at 225. Denver being favored by this much makes sense because they’ve looked better than the Clippers so far this season and they are at home. The over/under also makes sense because both of these teams are very good offensively. This spread could move a bit based on if Paul George ends up playing.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction

The pick: Denver Nuggets -4.5

The Nuggets have been one of the best teams in the NBA this year. They have looked really good because Jamal Murray is finally back and healthy from his injury. Nikola Jokic has been having another MVP-worthy season already. As the center, Jokic leads the Nuggets in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals. Jamal Murray has been great since he’s been back and is the Nuggets’ second-leading scorer and he’s second in assists too. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter have also been big difference makers for Denver. Gordon is the second-leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, while Porter is the third-leading rebounder and scorer. As a team, the Nuggets are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.

They are second in overall field goal percentage at 50.8. They are also just outside the top-5 in scoring and just outside the top-10 in points differential. On the other side, the Clippers have been good, but inconsistent. Paul George has been the leader this year with Kawhi Leonard being in and out of the lineup constantly. He leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals. Leonard is behind George in scoring, and will be active in this game too. Those are the two stars for the Clippers, but other pieces like Norman Powell and Marcus Morris have been solid contributors when needed. As a team, the Clippers have been great defensively. They are the third-ranked team in points allowed at 109.4 points per game and 10th in rebounds at 43.9. With the uncertainty of Paul George, and the game being on the road, expect the Nuggets to win here and maybe run away with the game.

Betting Trends

Clippers are 5-21 ATS in their last 26 games playing on 2 days rest.

Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Key Matchups

Can Ivica Zubac matchup against Nikola Jokic? Can Reggie Jackson matchup against Jamal Murray?

Nikola Jokic vs. Ivica Zubac

Nikola Jokic has been his usual dominant self so far this season. He averages 26 points, 9.5 assists, and 11 rebounds per game this year. The Clippers’ answer for him is Ivica Zubac. He averages 10 points, 1 assist, and 10.5 rebounds per game this year. Zubac is a decent starting center, but going up against Jokic is tough for everyone. Jokic can attack teams in so many ways, but Zubac needs to play well against him if the Clippers are going to have a chance in this game.

Jamal Murray vs. Reggie Jackson

Jamal Murray has been great this year since returning from his injury. He averages 18 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the year. The Clippers will have Reggie Jackson matchup with Murray who’s been decent this year too. He averages 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game for the year. Jackson has proven himself as a solid point guard, but Murray has proven himself to be back to his usual form. Jackson needs to have a big game against Murray with some of the Clippers players potentially being out.

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Paul George
SF: Terance Mann
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Ivica Zubac

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups

PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Michael Porter Jr.
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokic

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: SF Paul George (Hamstring) Q, PF Nicolas Batum (Ankle) O

Denver Nuggets Injuries: PF Jeff Green (Hand) O, SF Peyton Watson (Adductor) O