Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 3– 04/24/2025

On Thursday, 04/24, the Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The second game was as close as Game 1, as the Clippers edged the Nuggets by 3 points(105-102). Will the Nuggets bounce back to take a 2-1 lead in this see-saw series? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets

Time: 7:00 PM (PT)
Venue: Intuit Dome (Inglewood, California)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Game 3 Preview

The Kawhi Leonard factor giving the Clippers an edge

Game 2 was much like Game 1. The Nuggets jumped to a six-point lead in the opening quarter, but the Clippers took a 3-point by the end of the half. They could only extend the lead to four entering the final quarter. The score was either tied or in the 1-3 points range throughout the fourth quarter. Norman Powell made a huge play with a minute and a half left.

He stole the ball and converted a three-pointer to give his team a three-point lead. Nikola Jokic cut the lead to one point. Then Kawhi Leonard made a mid-range pull-up jumper to regain the three-point lead. Then he stole the ball from Jokic, but Harden missed a jumper, giving the Nuggets 11 seconds to tie the game from long-range.

Christian Braun missed the three-pointer and then Nikola Jokic couldn’t convert either as the Nuggets missed a golden chance to send the game to overtime yet again.

Leonard was the biggest factor in the game. He made a mind-boggling 15 out of 19 shots from the field. Apart from that, he played elite defense down the stretch. Ivica Zubac posted 16 points on 6/10 shooting while James Harden had 16 points. The Clippers committed just 11 turnovers compared to 20 in Game 1.

But the story reversed for the Nuggets. They committed 20 turnovers in Game 2, hampering their chances immensely. Apart from that, Jokic went 6/10 from the free-throw line, below his season tally of 80%. Jamal Murray had a solid 23-point effort. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. recovered from a 3-point night in Game 1 to accumulate 15 points in Game 2.

Russell Westbrook was solid off the bench yet again. But Christian Braun was 2/7 from the field after a decent 5/10 night in Game 1. Did it make a huge difference in the end? Perhaps.

Nuggets Expected Starting Lineup

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

Key bench players: PG: Russell Westbrook, SF: Peyton Watson.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Clippers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: James Harden | SG: Kris Dunn | SF: Kawhi Leonard | SF: Norman Powell | C: Ivica Zubac

Key bench players: SF: Derrick Jones Jr, PF: Nicolas Batum, SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic, PG: Ben Simmons.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Total Over/Under Prediction

The second game accounted for 207 points while the first game produced 212(in Overtime). Thus, the first two games have been in expected terrain. The Nuggets’ offense has been more inconsistent than the Clippers, which hurt them in Game 2.

But I believe Nikola Jokic is due a 30+ points performance, and the rest of the team also has a spark in them. I was proven wrong in Game 2 as I chose Over for 218.5 points. I believe the score will be over here again despite the playoffs usually going in the “under” direction.

Total: O 214.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Nuggets: Points Over 105.5 for +100 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Nikola Jokic to dish over 9.5 assists: Jokic handed 10 assists in Game 2 and 12 assists in Game 1. There is a little chance that his production will drop here, so I would pick the “over” mark here.

Jamal Murray to put up over 23.5 points: Murray had a solid 23-point outing in Game 2 after a 21-point effort in Game 1. He looked in a nice groove last game, so there is a chance he will find his range for around 25 points.

Ivica Zubac to grab over 12.5 rebounds: Zubac grabbed 12 rebounds in the last game after a 13-rebound effort in Game 2. I expect him to hover in a similar trajectory here.

Main pick: Nikola Jokic: Assists O 9.5 for +100 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Game 3 Prediction

The first two games made it clear that picking an outright winner or any sort of spread is tricky. Both teams are full of veteran stars who know when to go for the kill. They also have role players who have deep playoff experience, which has shown in the results thus far.

I don’t expect this game to be any different and believe Denver will claw back in the series by winning here.

Safe Spread Pick: Nuggets -1.5 for +110 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!