On Saturday, 05/03, the Denver Nuggets (3-3) will host the Los Angeles Clippers (3-3) in Game 7 of the First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The Clippers had an impressive 6-point win (111-105) in Game 6 to force Game 7. Who will come on top in the most exciting series of the first round? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
The most balanced series in the opening round
The Clippers were locked in for Game 6 against an unyielding Denver squad. They could acquire only a one-point lead at the half as Denver kept replying to their big scoring rallies. But a 12-0 run around the middle of the third quarter proved to be the game-changer for the Nuggets.
The Nuggets managed to cut the lead to 5 with a minute left in the final quarter, but committed too many late-game errors. The Clippers played a clean game with just 7 turnovers, whereas the Nuggets committed 12.
The Nuggets had just 9 free-throw attempts, making 6 of them. Meanwhile, the Nuggets converted 13-15 shots. Apart from that, the Clippers made one more triple, so these thin margins were huge for them. Offensively, Clippers’ elite shot-creators, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden scored in the 24-28 range.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic was on fire during the first half, scoring 20 points, but was held to just 5 points in the second half, perhaps the biggest difference-maker. Jamal Murray had 21 while Aaron Gordon had 19. However, Michael Porter Jr. was limited to 5 points.
Christian Braun and Russell Westbrook each had 14. The scoring balance was pretty good, but Jokic’s second-half returns and MPJ’s lack of production took their toll.
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.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
This series has been in the medium scoring range. The Clippers have scored 110+ in three of the six games(excluding Game 1, which went into OT). Meanwhile, the Nuggets have scored 110+ just once outside the OT game.
Three of the games have been in the 200-207 range. Thus, bookmakers have usually hovered in the range. The bookmakers have chosen the Over/Under around the 204.5 mark, which is where I lean too. I do see the teams hitting the “over” mark here, though.
Nikola Jokic to grab over 12.5 rebounds: The Joker collected 7 rebounds in Game 6. He erupted for a 21-rebound performance in Game 4, while he had 13 rebounds in Game 3. But in the rest of the four games, he didn’t hit the 11+ rebounds mark. But I see him coming up with a big-time performance here.
James Harden to be held under 20.5 points: The Beard had 28 points in Game 6, his best performance since the Game 1 32-point explosion. Apart from that, he was held to 20 points or under in the rest of the game. I see him being held under the mark here.
Russell Westbrook to score over 11.5 points: The explosive guard had 14 in Game 6. He has hit the mark in four of the five games. I expect him to make his the fifth time here.,
Main pick: Russell Westbrook O 11.5 for -105 at BetMGM
This series is as close as it gets. Both teams have given it all on the floor, and there have been more close games here than any other series in the West. It has rivaled the New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons series. Thus, a high-stakes Game 7 is bound to produce a ton of excitement.
Thus, the bookmakers have also assigned identical odds to both teams in terms of spread. At any rate, I expect Denver to get the job done here in what can be another thriller.
Safe Spread Pick: Money Line: Denver Nuggets for -105 at BetMGM
Betting Lines at BetMGM-
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
nba
