After a painful loss in Game 4, the Los Angeles Clippers will look to rebound and move a step closer to advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Of course, that is going to be easier said than done, especially with the Denver Nuggets taking their turn again to host a game in this wild series.

Catch this game live on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM, Manila time

Away: Los Angeles Clippers (2-2)

Projected Starting Five:

  • James Harden
  • Kris Dunn
  • Norman Powell
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Ivica Zubac

The Clippers are clearly in a dog fight with Denver. After blowing out the Nuggets in Game 3, Los Angeles lost a close one to Denver in Game 4, 101-99. In such a close contest, the tiniest of details become what spells the difference between winning and losing. 

Perhaps a better shooting night from James Harden could have saved Los Angeles, as he went just 5-for-11 from the floor for 15 points. It could also be Kris Dunn going 1-for-9 from the field – those eight missed shots would have been better taken by Harden or Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 24 points. Nevertheless, the Clippers are still averaging more points (107.8) per game and shooting better from the floor (47.7 FG%) and from deep (39%) in the series than the Nuggets.

The Clippers have won eight of their last 10 road games. They have also covered the spread in nine of their last 10 outings as the road team, dating back to the regular season.

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Home: Denver Nuggets (2-2)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jamal Murray 
  • Christian Braun
  • Michael Porter Jr.
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic isn’t everything for the Nuggets, but he’s the closest to an absolute be-all and end-all basketball force for Denver. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player flattened Los Angeles’ defense in Game 4 for 36 points on 14-for-25 shooting from the field with 21 rebounds and eight assists in 43 minutes. Through four games in the first round, the Serbian big man is averaging 28.5 points on a 54.4 FG%, 13.5 rebounds and 10.8 assists. He’s a constant, unsolvable problem for the Clippers.

Meanwhile, the non-Jokic starters for Denver in Game 4 each scored at least 13 points, including Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., who combined for 31 points on an efficient 11-for-20 shooting. Porter, however, is playing through pain, so his performance for at least the remainder of the Clippers series could be an adventure.

The Nuggets are 8-2 straight up in their last 10 home games versus the Clippers. They are also 5-5 against the spread in those 10 contests.

Picks

Spread: Los Angeles Clippers (-2.0)

Over/Under: Under (208.5)

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