The LA Clippers welcome the Denver Nuggets at home for a showdown between two legitimate title contenders. Which side are you betting on?
Catch this game live on Friday, April 2, at 10 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: LA Clippers (32-17, 17-7 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Reggie Jackson
- SG: Luke Kennard
- SF: Kawhi Leonard
- PF: Nic Batum
- C: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers can’t wait to get rid of the bitter taste left in their mouths by an embarrassing 103-96 home loss to the lottery-bound Orlando Magic last Wednesday. It was the Clippers’ first loss in six games and one that likely burned plenty of parlays out there.
However, the Clippers can still inspire confidence among bettors because they have often followed up with a win against the spread following a loss. In fact, the Clippers are 11-5 against the spread this season in 16 games after a defeat– the second-best in the NBA, to date. The Clippers, however, won’t have the services of Paul George and Marcus Morris due to injuries.
Serge Ibaka has also been ruled out of Friday’s game. But the Clippers will have at least one superstar out there to lead them. Kawhi Leonard had 21 points on 8-14 shooting in LA’s 121-108 road win over the Nuggets back in December.
ROAD TEAM: Denver Nuggets (29-18, 15-9 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SF: Will Barton
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokic
Don’t forget about Jamal Murray. The Kentucky product reminded everyone again why he’s among the most dangerous scorers out there by going off for 30 points on 12-24 shooting in Denver’s 104-95 win over The Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. The Nuggets are now on a three-game win streak, going 3-0 ATS in those games as well.
Murray, who is averaging 21.2 points per game with a 41.2 3FG%, had 21 points in the first meeting with the Clippers. The Nuggets’ outlook against LA should be a whole lot better this time around, as the Clippers will be without Serge Ibaka and George.
Two defensive anchors absent for the Clippers could mean a more efficient offense for Denver, which is third in the NBA with 1.168 points per possession.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Clippers still have Kawhi Leonard. That’s enough for them to put up a fight. Take the Clippers to cover +1.5.
Over/Under: Don’t be trapped into thinking that this would go under just because the Clippers are undermanned. Take the total 227.5 to hit the over for this game between two teams inside the top 5 in offensive efficiency rating.
