The Los Angeles Clippers host the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET. The series is tied 1-1 after two close games in Denver, with each team grabbing one win.
Denver won Game 1 in overtime, 112-110, but the Clippers bounced back in Game 2 with a 105-102 win. Both games were decided in the final moments. Now the Clippers have home-court advantage for the next two games as they look to build on the momentum from their last win.
Clippers Preview – Kawhi Leading the Charge
Kawhi Leonard was nearly perfect in Game 2, scoring 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting. He is averaging 30.5 points on 70.6% shooting over the first two games. Leonard’s return to full health has changed the outlook for this Clippers team. He looks comfortable and is leading by example.
James Harden has also played well, putting up 25 points and nine assists per game in the series. Ivica Zubac is giving solid production in the middle with 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. The Clippers’ defense has also made life harder for Nikola Jokic, forcing turnovers and limiting easy second-chance points.
The Clippers are 30-11 at home this season and 48-35-1 against the spread overall. They’ve covered in 27 of their last 37 home games and are riding high after snapping a five-game losing streak to the Nuggets. Coach Tyronn Lue has emphasized ball control and transition defense, which helped them take Game 2.
Nuggets Preview – Jokic Looking for Help
Nikola Jokic continues to produce with back-to-back triple-doubles. He’s averaging 27.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists through two games. But his seven turnovers in Game 2 were costly, including two down the stretch. Jamal Murray has been steady with 22 points, 6.5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.
Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are giving support. Gordon is averaging 19.5 points, while Porter is pulling down 15 rebounds per game to go with his 15-point scoring average. Still, the Nuggets committed 20 turnovers and missed eight free throws in Game 2, which made the difference in a three-point loss.
Denver has gone 24-17 on the road this season. They’re the top team in field goal percentage and assists per game, but turnovers have been a problem. Interim coach David Adelman took over late in the season and is still adjusting in the postseason spotlight. The Nuggets must take better care of the ball and find ways to slow Leonard.
Betting Prediction
The Clippers are favored by 5 points at home with a total set at 213.5. They are -198 on the moneyline, while Denver is +184. The Nuggets have struggled to cover the spread in recent matchups, going 3-7 ATS in the last 10 games against the Clippers. The under has hit in seven of those games as well.
This should be another close battle, but the Clippers are playing better basketball right now. Leonard is in rhythm, and their defense is forcing mistakes. If Denver keeps turning the ball over and missing free throws, they’ll struggle on the road. Expect Los Angeles to stay hot and cover the number again.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers -5
