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The Denver Nuggets will take on the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference battle. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Clippers prediction and pick.
These have been two of the best teams in the West for the last couple of seasons, but that doesn't seem to be the case this year because of major health problems. The Nuggets have had their fair share of struggles this season, including losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic.
The Clippers haven't been much better, partially because they've been ravaged with injury. A win against a potential playoff team would be huge for either of these squads, so this should be an interesting one.
Here are the Hawks-Lakers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Nuggets-Clippers Odds
Denver Nuggets: -3 (-112)
Article Continues Below
Los Angeles Clippers: +3 (-108)
Over: 213 (-110)
Under: 213 (-110)
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Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread
Every single team in the NBA has had to deal with some amount of injuries and COVID absences this season, and Los Angeles is no exception. In addition to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George being out, Luke Kennard and Justise Winslow are out due to health and safety protocols. Big man Isaiah Hartenstein will also miss this game with an ankle injury. Some of these players may not seem like the most important absences, but they combine to play plenty of bench minutes for the Clippers. Los Angeles will be even more shorthanded than usual here.
The Clippers have been reduced to one of the worst offenses in the NBA. Los Angeles only averages 105 points per game, and their shooting numbers are some of the lowest in the league. The Nuggets haven't been a great defense, but they've been more than good enough to deal with Los Angeles. Denver currently allows 106 points per game, one of the better numbers in the NBA. Even more important is the fact that the Nuggets only give up 11 fast-break points per contest. The Clippers are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league on fast breaks, so taking that element away from them should put Denver in a positive position.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
While they have struggled on the offensive end, the Clippers have been fantastic on defense this season. Los Angeles only allows opponents to shoot 50% from 2-point range and 33% from deep. Both of those numbers rank inside the top 10 in the league. This Clippers defense should be able to hold Denver to an uncharacteristically bad shooting night in this one, especially with Will Barton now in health and safety protocols. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. remain out.
Neither of these teams have been particularly good against the spread, but this is a situation that favors the Clippers. Denver is currently 9-13 against the spread on the road and 3-5 ATS when entering the game as a road favorite. Los Angeles is 3-3 against the spread as a home underdog but 13-12 at home over the course of the season. The Clippers clearly play better basketball on their home floor, and that should be shown on Tuesday night.
Final Nuggets-Clippers Prediction & Pick
This is a great spot to pick the Clippers. They have the home-court advantage, and they enter this game as slight underdogs. Lock in Los Angeles.
FINAL Nuggets-Clippers PICK: Los Angeles Clippers +3 (-108)
