Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
April 7, 2018
Date & time: Saturday, April 7 @3:30 PM
Venue: Staples Center (Los Angeles)
Head to head record
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers 120-122 (2017/2018 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets 109-104 (2017/2018 NBA)
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers 129-114 (2016/2017 NBA)
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers 123-98 (2016/2017 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets 102-106 (2016/2017 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets prediction
High-flying Denver Nuggets will be looking to extend their winning run to five games when they take on Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center, in what is expected to be one of the most entertaining clashes of Saturday’s program.
Slim play-offs hopes
Los Angeles Clippers are not enjoying a season to remember, but they are still in the race for a place in the play-offs. Clippers failed to impress in a 117-95 loss to Utah Jazz on Thursday and, as a result, they now have slim chances of booking their place in the play-offs. The key player from the last season Chris Paul has been sorely missed in the 2017/2018 NBA campaign and seeing that Blake Griffin is no longer part of the team, it is no surprise that Doc Rivers’ men sit in 10th position in the Western Conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Denver Nuggets. Anyhow, Clippers will leave their hearts on the court as they are determined to secure a top-eight finish. You should bear in mind that Los Angeles Clippers are eyeing their 23rd home win of the season.
Danilo Gallinari is a major doubt, whilst the likes of Milos Teodosic, Jawun Evans, Avery Bradley and Patrick Beverley are definitely out of contention through injury.
Thrilling winning run
Denver Nuggets do not want to give up on their play-offs dream. Denver failed to book their place in the NBA play-offs last term and, no doubt, they are determined to make amends for the unsuccessful campaign. The regular season is coming to an end, meaning that Saturday’s clash against Los Angeles Clippers is of big importance for both teams. Nuggets have been in a splendid form of late, with the team recording four consecutive wins over the likes of Oklahoma, Milwaukee, Indiana and Minnesota, but the game against Clippers will be anything but a walk in the park for the visitors. Serbia international Nikola Jokic is enjoying yet another successful season and all eyes will be on “the Joker” when the two teams face each other at Staples Center. Denver Nuggets did well to beat star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game on the road, which is certainly giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Southern California.
Gary Harris is rated doubtful, whilst Tyler Lydon remains in the recovery room. Coach Michael Malone has no other selection worries ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
Interesting Facts
- Los Angeles Clippers scored 100+ points in each of their last 9 home games
- Denver Nuggets are eyeing their 15th away win of the season
- In their last meeting at Staples Center Clippers defeated Nuggets 109-104
- Nikola Jokic has been averaging 18.2 points this term
- Clippers are after their fifth straight win in the league
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets betting pick
Both Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are desperate to emerge triumphant in Saturday’s showdown. However, seeing that Clippers have been struggling in NBA ever since key players Chris Paul and Blake Griffin left the team, I am tempted to put my money on the visitors, who have been producing brilliant showings in the league of late.
Pick: Denver to win
Odds: -110
