On Monday, 04/21, the Denver Nuggets will host the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The first game was absolute cinema as the Nuggets pinched a two-point win in overtime (112-110). Will the resolute Clippers make things even here? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Both teams showed their veteran all-star levels
Game 1 went as expected. The momentum kept swinging to-and-fro throughout the game. The Clippers took an eight-point lead in the first quarter. The Nuggets then cut the lead to just four points before the half. The Clippers remained ahead till the middle of the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets’ bench guard Russell Westbrook finished a lovely backdoor jam to get himself going with six minutes to go. But the Clippers refused to relent.
The game swung in a 1-3 points margin either way as Westbrook made two more clutch shots. Then he made his biggest shot of the game with 24 seconds left from the right corner three to help his team gain a two-point lead. Harden answered back with 18 seconds left, and then Westbrook committed a turnover, denying his team a chance for a game-winning.
However, he would make up for it. Christian Braun and James Harden would trade triples in OUT as the Nuggets held a three-point lead with 10 seconds to go. Then Westbrook forced a turnover in an in-bound situation, helping his team to a two-point win as Norman Powell made an inconsequential three with a second left.
The Clippers were fantastic in their scoring balance. Their starters shot efficiently, but the team committed 20 turnovers, which was the biggest reason for their loss. Both Westbrook and Jamal Murray combined for 12/37 shooting(32.4%), but they both remained on the floor in clutch moments as Michael Porter Jr. played just 26 minutes. The Nuggets will be confident after punching home a close win, but the Clippers fielded a very strong defense, too.
Nuggets Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Michael Porter Jr. | PF: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic
Key bench player: PG: Russell Westbrook.
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
The first game remained true to the bookmakers’ expectations, but the total of 222, where they assigned almost identical odds, was only possible due to the Overtime scenario. It indicates that both teams have picked up their defensive level in the playoffs. The Clippers should have scored 110 in regulation itself, but coughed up too many possessions.
On the other hand, the Nuggets did well to reach the mark even in Overtime as their players struggled. At any rate, I see a bounce-back game from Jamal Murray and a big night from Jokic. At the same time, expecting the Clippers to play a more polished game. The total may be near 220 again.
Nikola Jokic to dish over 10.5 assists: The Joker dished 12 assists in Game 1, on par with his production throughout the season. I believe he will hit a similar mark here,
Russell Westbrook to score over 11.5 points: Westbrook’s night was riddled by familiar mistakes, but he still managed 15 points, marked by a bunch of clutch buckets. I believe he will have a much more efficient effort with another 15-point piece.
Ivica Zubac to grab over 11.5 rebounds: The Clippers center is one of the best rebounders, and clasped 13 rebounds in Game 1. I believe he will repeat such a performance.
Main pick: Russell Westbrook O 11.5 for -110 at BetMGM
The first game showed why experts were excited about the series. Both are veteran teams with a bunch of MVP-level players. The effort level in the first game spoke volumes about their characters. You never know who will land the killing blow. Expect similar fireworks in the second game, too, but the Nuggets may be able to sneak a second in a row at home. But I don’t see their winning margin going past 5 points.
Safe Spread Pick: Nuggets -1.5 for +110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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