Nuggets vs. Clippers Prediction and Odds: Leonard, LA on the Brink of Elimination

The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers have presented the postseason’s most competitive series. Jamal Murray powered the Nuggets to victory in Game 5, but Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers won’t go down easily on Thursday night. For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

For the best NBA game previews, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season! New sports bettors supporting their hometown Denver Nuggets can take advantage of the top Colorado sportsbook promos and bonuses before their matchup against the LA Clippers tips off!

When the Nuggets and Clippers take the court on Thursday night, expect one of the most exciting games of the first round. Coming off a victory in Game 5, behind a 43-point night from Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have an opportunity to book their place in the second round. The LA Clippers will try to extend the series to a Game 7, but they’ll need an improved performance from their trio of Leonard, Harden, and Powell–Game 6 tips off at 10:00 PM EST at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

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Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers Betting Odds

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Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Denver Nuggets +6.5 (-106) at FanDuel

While the sportsbooks have the odds in favor of the LA Clippers in Game 6, the Denver Nuggets are more of a threat than the odds table suggests. A return to form for Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook bodes well for Denver, while the LA Clippers duo of James Harden and Norman Powell remain inconsistent. A 6.5-point spread is a big difference for an elimination game between those capable teams, so take the Nuggets to cover the spread.

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Denver Nuggets Preview

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a statement performance in Game 5, where they found victory on home court and now lead the series 3-2. Nikola Jokic is coming off his lowest-scoring performance of the series, but Jamal Murray stepped up on Tuesday night. With an opportunity to clinch the series, expect Denver to pick up where they left off in Game 5.

Game 5 featured the Nuggets’ best performance this season, dominating the Clippers through all four quarters. They scored 131 points per game on 55.8% from the field and 51.5% from three, with 17 made threes. They had one of their best playmaking nights, posting 29 assists with just nine turnovers. To take Game 6 from the Clippers, Denver must maintain its offensive efficiency among the starters and the bench.

The Denver Nuggets were inconsistent against the spread, posting a 40-46-1 ATS Record this season, 21st in the NBA. They have a 46.5% cover percentage, a +3.5 margin of victory, and a 0.0 ATS +/- this season. The Nuggets won outright (+116), covered the spread (+2.0), and hit over the total (209.5) in Game 5.

Nikola Jokic still put in a triple-double performance in Game 5, but it was Jamal Murray who led the way on offense. The Canadian point guard was stellar with 43 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and eight made threes in 40 minutes. His backup, Russell Westbrook, was excellent, with 21 points off the bench. In good form, Murray projects to maintain his form, with Jokic bouncing back from a low-scoring night.

Regarding the Denver Nuggets injury report, (C) DaRon Holmes (Achilles) is out for the season.

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LA Clippers Preview

The LA Clippers have their backs against the wall and must force a Game 7 to keep their championship dreams alive. Kawhi Leonard has been solid through this series, but his supporting cast must step up if they hope to extend the series. They struggled to contain the Nuggets in Game 5 and won’t force a Game 7 without an improved defensive effort.

Offensively, the LA Clippers scored 115 points on 52.4% efficiency from the field. Statistically, three-point shooting separated the two teams, as the Clippers allowed 17 to their 11 made threes. The Clippers need to control the tempo in Game 6 or risk being outpaced by the Nuggets for a second consecutive game.

The LA Clippers were one of the best teams against the spread, posting a 50-37-0 ATS Record this season, third-best in the NBA. They have a 57.5% cover percentage, a +4.6 margin of victory, and a +2.3 ATS +/- this season. LA hit over the total (209.5) in Game 5.

Kawhi Leonard did his thing in Game 5, putting up 20 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds on 8-of-15 shooting. But his support in Harden and Powell struggled again, combining for 23 points on 8-of-21 shooting. Bogdan Bogdanovic produced 18 off the bench, and Ivica Zubac did his best in Game 5, posting 27 points, but LA’s wing options must step up in Game 6 to force a Game 7 in Denver.

Regarding the LA Clippers injury report, (G) Seth Lundy (Ankle) is out for the season.

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How to Watch Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers

• Teams: Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers

• Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA

• Date: 10:00 PM, Friday, May 1, 2025

• TV:  TNT, truTV, Max