On Thursday, 05/01, the Los Angeles Clippers (2-3) will host the Denver Nuggets (2-3) in Game 6 of the First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets played their best in Game 5, seizing a decisive 16-point win (131-115). Can the star-laden Clippers tie things up on their home floor? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
The Nuggets had their best win of the season
The Nuggets were on fire during Game 5. The best part was that they got it done despite Nikola Jokic scoring just 13 points(4/13 FG). The Nuggets stormed to a 12-point lead in the first quarter, then the Clippers cut it to 8 by the end of the first half. The Nuggets again put on a show and accumulated a 16-point lead by the end of the third quarter. They retained the lead to end the game.
Jamal Murray was the biggest difference-maker with an electric 43 points. Seems like he plays with a whole different streak against the LA squads. The brilliant scoring guard nailed 8 triples, helping his team secure a 17-11 advantage from long range. It ended up being the biggest difference-maker as both teams made 18 free throws and almost a similar number of two-point field goals.
Russell Westbrook was amazing off the bench and scored 16 points in 12 minutes during the first half. His performance surely had a significant impact as Jokic struggled to find his rhythm. Aaron Gordon was also huge with 23 points.
Overall, the Nuggets have shown what they can do if their role players get going. As for the Clippers, Ivica Zubac was huge with 27 points, but James Harden had an off-night(3/9 shooting, 4 turnovers). They need The Beard to get going in Game 6.
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.
Injuries/Updates: Russell Westbrook is a Game-Time Decision.
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
Game 5 was the highest producing game with 246 points. It was a huge leap from before, as the last three games have been in the 200-207 range. Denver loves a shootout, whereas the Clippers are more comfortable with a slower-paced game; thus, they will be more comfortable with the usual range of the series. I
see this game returning to the previous range as the Clippers will tighten their defense on the home floor. At the same time, I see Denver also locking up the LA team.
Nikola Jokic to score over 27.5 points: The Joker had a series-low 13-point performance in Game 5. He had a masterful 36 in Game 4, whereas he was in the 23-29 range before that. I expect him to regain his usual scoring mojo here.
Ivica Zubac to block over 1.5 shots: Zubac was a menace on the offensive end last game, but also left his impact on defense against Jokic. He blocked 2 shots for the first time in the series and will likely do it again.
Jamal Murray to score over 20.5 points: Murray exploded for 43 points, extracting the most out of the home-court advantage. He had just 13 in Game 4, away from home. However. I see him continuing the momentum from Game 5 and scoring in the 22-25 range.
Main pick: Nikola Jokic O 27.5 for -110 at BetMGM
The Clippers will be itching to tie things up in Game 6 on their home floor. They have won by 34 points in Game 3 here, a game which can become an inspiration as they take on the improved Denver squad.
On the other hand, Denver’s role players are stepping up their game, which is bad news for LA. Overall, I do think LA is the favorite here, but I believe Denver will cover the spread here.
Safe Spread Pick: Nuggets for +6.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
nba 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!
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