Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Preview and Odds - 04/21/2025

by Rod Pearson

Sunday, Apr 20, 2025
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET, Monday, April 21, 2025
Venue:  Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Where to Watch:  TNT, MAX, truTV


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Clippers -1.5, Nuggets +1.5; Over/Under:  217.5 points
Bet365:  Point Spread:  Clippers -1, Nuggets +1; Over/Under:  218 points
BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Clippers -1.5, Nuggets +1.5; Over/Under:  218.5 points

Season Record

Los Angeles Clippers:  50-32 (2nd place, Pacific Division)
Denver Nuggets:  50-32 (2nd place, Northwest Division)

Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Jim Feist is on a HOT STREAK in the NBA on a 25-8 NBA RUN for +$16,150 PROFIT! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.

Recent Form
Los Angeles Clippers:  8-2 last 10
Denver Nuggets:  6-4 last 10


Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Preview and Analysis


The Clippers are entering the playoffs with a 50-32 record overall this season and they were 20-21 in their road games where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Denver Nuggets. James Harden led the team in points in that game with 32 while Kawhi Leonard was next on the team with 22 points. James Harden led the team in assists in that game with 11 while Ivica Zubac led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 50% from the field, 36.4% from 3-point range, and 75% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 112.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 108.2 PPG against them. The Clippers have an ATS record of 48-35 this season and their O/U record is 39-42-2.



The Nuggets are entering the playoffs with a 50-32 record overall this season and they were 26-15 in their home games where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 4 game winning streak with wins coming against the Sacramento Kings, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets, and the LA Clippers. Nikola Jokić led the team in points in that game with 29 while Aaron Gordon was next on the team with 25 points. Nikola Jokić led the team in assists in that game with 12 while Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray each led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 43.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 77.8% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 120.8 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 116.9 PPG against them. The Nuggets have an ATS record of 38-44-1 this season and their O/U record is 49-34.


Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction

The current betting odds have the Clippers listed as a 1.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. This is game 2 of a 7 game series between the 4th seeded Nuggets and the 5th seeded Clippers from the Western Conference for the 1st round of the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets are leading this series 1-0 after game 1. The Nuggets took a 1-0 series lead after winning the 1st game of this series 112-110 in overtime, but it wasn't easy for them. The Nuggets were trailing early on in that game right from the 1st quarter and they had to fight all game to stay in it. The game eventually went to OT which they won by 2 points, but they struggled to keep a lead that whole game and the Clippers are only going to come out stronger in this one. The Clippers know they need to win a road game to flip the series if they want to advance, and after the way they lost in OT in such a close game, they can sense the blood in the water here. The Nuggets weren't playing their best to end the regular season and it even resulted in their head coach getting fired. The Nuggets also struggled in some of their games against the Clippers this season, and they didn't even see Kawhi Leonard in those. Leonard has made a big difference for the Clippers since coming back from his injury as the team finished the regular season very strong and he played a big role in that close loss. He will be the deciding factor in this game as the Clippers tie up the series in Denver. The best way to place a bet here is on the Clippers to cover the spread in this game. 

Clippers Nuggets Prediction:  Our NBA Pick for Monday, April 21, 2025 (10:00 pm ET start time) is Clippers 108 Nuggets 103.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert basketball picks today.  And if you enjoyed this Los Angeles Clippers Denver Nuggets prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NBA predictions and previews.

NBA Betting Trends


Los Angeles Clippers: 11-5 ATS when the line is +3 to -3. 9-4 ATS versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game. 12-6 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 8-4 OVER versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 3+ per game. 9-5 OVER when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days.

Denver Nuggets: 2-6 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3. 3-8 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 4-10 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days. 26-16 OVER in home games. 13-7 OVER as an underdog. 

Key Injuries


Los Angeles Clippers:  None.

Denver Nuggets:  D. Holmes II (PF) Out For Season - Achilles.


Notable Quotes


“If you turn over 20 times against the team that is No. 1 in offensive transition, then you’re gonna lose the game.” - Tyronn Lue after his team’s loss against the Nuggets in game 1 of this series.


“Russ is Russ. Defensively, he's absolutely incredible. He was playing free safety out there. I thought a lot of the reasons why the turnovers happened, even if it wasn't him forcing it, (was) just the way he was roaming around and impacting the game. And then offensively ... he attacked. We maybe could have pulled it out and executed. But that's what Russ does. I don't think he's going to change after 17 years. If he sees somebody in front of him 1-on-1, he's going to attack. And then he made an enormous 3.” - Dave Adelman after his team’s win against the LA Clippers in game 1 of this series.


Starting Lineups


Los Angeles Clippers
PG James Harden
SG Kris Dunn
SF Norman Powell
PF Kawhi Leonard
C Ivica Zubac

Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Christian Braun
SF Michael Porter Jr.
PF Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic

Statistical Leaders


Los Angeles Clippers
PPG: J. Harden (22.8)
APG: J. Harden (8.7)
Reb/G: I. Zubac (12.6)

Denver Nuggets
PPG: N. Jokić (29.6)
APG: N. Jokić (10.2)
Reb/G: N. Jokić (12.7)

Coaches:
Los Angeles Clippers: Tyronn Lue (5th season)
Denver Nuggets: David Adelman (Interim)



Rod Pearson

About the Author:

Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life.  He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years.  In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective.  Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

© 2025 Al McMordie's BigAl.com. All Rights Reserved.