Nuggets vs Clippers Picks and Odds

• The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers meet on Thursday, April 1st
• Denver is looking to extend their three-game winning streak
• Get our odds, preview, and best bet for this contest below

Two of the best teams in the Western Conference will face off in a marquee matchup when the Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, April 1st, tip-off 10pm ET.

The Nuggets are coming off a thrilling victory over a solid Philadelphia 76ers team, while LA is looking to bounce back from a dreadful loss to the Orlando Magic on home court.

Los Angeles convincingly handled Denver on Christmas Day, beating them 121-108, behind Paul George’s 23 points.

Nuggets vs Clippers Odds

Can Nuggets Keep it Rolling?

Denver is playing brilliant basketball right now with three wins in a row, securing a statement victory Tuesday over the Sixers. It wasn’t just Nikola Jokic doing all the heavy lifting, either. The entire rotation did their part, with Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray combining for 57 points.

Aaron Gordon is still getting used to his new surroundings, dropping just six points against Philly. But if the entire unit can produce like this, once Gordon finds his offensive touch, this team is going to be dangerous.

The Nuggets took full advantage of the Sixers’ sluggish start, holding a 44-22 lead after just one quarter. They also contained Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, with the two compiling just 23 points for their squad.

From a playmaking standpoint, Denver moved the ball around very well, collecting 26 assists. Michael Malone’s team also dominated on the boards, outrebounding Philadelphia 51-34.

Porter Jr. continues to shoot the ball at a ridiculous clip from downtown, draining 17 threes across his last four games. The former Missouri star went 5-for-7 from deep against the 76ers en route to a 27-point performance.

The man just makes it look 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮.

27 PTS | 12 REB | 68.8% FG#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/7OAysX6dwr

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 31, 2021

Defensively, the Nuggets have been playing well lately, allowing just 101 points per night in their last three appearances. Gordon’s presence on the wing from a defensive standpoint has certainly helped while the offense has thrived.

Clippers Need Bounce-Back Win

Just days after two dominant wins over the Sixers and Bucks, LA stumbled upon a Magic team who underwent a fire sale at the trade deadline, leaving a barren roster after dealing the team’s three best players in Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, and Evan Fournier.

That didn’t stop them from handing the Clippers a surprise loss though, ending their opposition’s 6-game winning streak. Los Angeles had the lead for the majority of the contest until Orlando went on a 17-3 run in the fourth quarter. The Clips’ defense ran out of gas, allowing Terrence Ross and Chuma Okeke to hit some clutch buckets down the stretch.

LA led 51-37 at halftime but went cold in the final two quarters. They ended up scoring just 45 points in the second half while shooting a dismal 32% from the field.

Nevertheless, Kawhi Leonard dropped 28 points, but PG’s absence definitely hurt Tyronn Lue’s squad. The All-Star missed his second straight game due to a sore foot.

Sloppy play was also another factor on Tuesday. They turned the ball over a total of 14 times, which turned into 17 points for the Magic.

Despite the bump in the road, the Clippers have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, while winning six of their last seven contests. They will continue their nine-game home stand Thursday vs Denver, with meetings against the Lakers, Blazers, and Suns ahead.

Back again Thursday. pic.twitter.com/qI7ioXHpwU

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 31, 2021

Kawhi may be relied upon to carry the offense once again with the Nuggets in town as George is doubtful to play. Los Angeles’ 12th-ranked defense will also have their hands full with the likes of Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. firing on all cylinders right now.

Best Bet

Denver is really turning heads lately and their latest outing is a sign that another big performance could be ahead. However, they’re just 13-11 ATS on the road this season.

LA is just a 1-point favorite though, so expect this to be a tight one. With no George, Leonard is going to have a tough task ahead here. But after one of their most embarrassing defeats of the year, the Clips will have a strong incentive to bounce back with a victory on Thursday. Go with the Moneyline on LA.

Pick: LA Clippers ML (-116) 

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