Nuggets vs Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips 14 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction
NLB Staff
13.12.2024 17:57
Nuggets vs Clippers Prediction
As the Denver Nuggets finally entered this game at full strength, they played a Clippers unit that has continued to be a solid unit with vital injuries. The Nuggets come off a 141-111 win against Atlanta, while this Clippers team lost to Houston last time out. This game will be played on December 14th at 7:30 IST in Ball Center of Denver. Below are our key betting tips, vital player props, important injuries, and head-to-head trends to create a prediction for this matchup.
Nuggets vs Clippers Key Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Moneyline Pick
With the Denver Nuggets having a -145 money line during this matchup, it should be a must-take because of their ability to play both ways. Led by Jamal Murray and Christian Braun in the backcourt, this duo will outscore Kris Dunn plus James Harden. Seeing that Miachel Porter Jr. is a taller scorer who has a rare advantage against Norman Powell, he will win this defensive battle as well. With Aaron Gordon being a hustle piece that can grab boards and finish against a weaker Nicolas Batum, Nikola Jokic should dominate Ivica Zubac in every statistical category. Looking at this, Denver should win their -145 money line and start a new streak against Los Angeles.
2. Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Point Spread Pick
Seeing that Denver has a -2.5 spread, they should win this game due to being the more skilled unit. Having Jamal Murray at point guard, his ability to produce layups inside and create outside shots has been a vital aspect of this offense. Being someone who has great ball-handling skills and driving ability, his quickness will play a huge factor. Going up against a defender in James Harden who is stronger against slower defenders, he will have a tough time locking down someone with the skill of Jamal Murray throughout. Also, the Nuggets guard can cause multiple turnovers on Harden with his reach-in ability and poke passes away for steals instead of assists. Having Christian Braun as a shooting guard, his ability to knock down threes and jump shots should completely outplay Kris Dunn’s offensive game. Although Dunn is a better defender, he doesn’t have the physicality or size to lock someone like Braun down. Being someone who can’t attack himself, will lead to the Nuggets piece winning a stealing advantage as well. With Norman Powell being a solid score for Los Angeles, Michael Porter’s length will cause him to take some worse looks. Even though Powell should provide some efficient scoring, the Nuggets piece is a far better perimeter score and rebounder as well. Knowing Aaron Gordon can grab boards plus finish over Nicholas Batum, Nikola Jokic should control Ivica Zubac inside. All in all, this -2.5 spread looks perfect for Denver.
3. Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Over/Under Pick (Total Points)
Having an over/under of 220.5 points means that this game will have a lot of solid scorers from many different positions. With Los Angeles having a point guard that can drive in with size and score from inside, his jump shots have also been a key aspect. Knowing that their shooting guard is a deep shooting threat, this group’s small forward is this group’s strongest all-around scorer. Seeing that their power forward can shoot threes, the Clippers have a very solid center who can create 2nd chance opportunities. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are led by one of the fastest point guards who can provide assists plus shooting from outside or in. Next to him, their shooting guard continues being a deep threat, while this unit’s small forward has shown an ability to hit perimeter shots plus dunk. Returning a great finishing small forward, their center will continue scoring at an MVP level. Therefore, this game’s combined score should go somewhere around 248 combined points from last time.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Top Player Props
Nikola Jokic over 28.5 points at 1.67: Seeing that the Nuggets center continues being one of the best scorers in NBA play, he continues being unguardable from inside or stretching from deep. Going against Ivica Zubac, Jokic should use elite size and dribbling skills to dominate him as a layup taker, dunker, plus knock-down shooter. Averaging 32.3 points a night, he should be somewhere around this during the matchup.
James Harden under 23.5 points at 1.71: Although the Clippers guard has been playing at a star level once again, his lack of beating other speedy guards has been an issue. Having to go against a quick Jamal Murray, the Nuggets guard will cause a lot of steals and close-out on James Harden’s weaker three-point ball this season. Scoring 21.6 per game, Harden will be under that line during this game.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers Injury News & Impact
Denver Nuggets Injuries: Having no Dario Saric, 3.5 rebounds, due to an ankle issue, this unit will also be without Vlakto Cancar because of a big knee issue. Seeing that Jamal Murray is coming back from his hamstring injury, he will be a big-time addition to this Denver team.
Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: With this team having no Kawhi Leonard, 23.7 points, because of a knee problem, Los Angeles will be without Derrick Jones Jr. as their main hustle man. As Terrance Mann has been ruled out with a fractured middle finger, this unit also has no Kobe Brown because of back issues.
Nuggets vs Clippers Head-to-Head Trends
Although the Clippers have won 4 straight matchups against Denver, this will be different because Denver looks much stronger together. A squad that has scored over 100 points in 12 straight matchups, they averaged 106.7 over their previous 3 games. Being 8-4 against the spread over 12 previous games, Denver looks to improve upon their record.
Betting Insights & Public Trends
Looking at the current public trends, 58.1% of bettors have favored Denver to win this game against Los Angeles.
Nuggets vs Clippers Final Prediction
As the Denver Nuggets continue being one of the strongest units in NBA play, they should have another easy matchup against Los Angeles. Being a great team on both the offensive and defensive end, this group should continue having dominating performances. Led by Jamal Murray at point guard, his ability to score and create from deep will continue to be a vital threat dribbling-wise. Being someone who can provide for others at a high rate, his quickness will dominate James Harden’s slower defense and create more chances for him. Being someone who can also create extra steals and turnovers, he will be someone who can continue providing reach-in prowess. Having someone like Christian Braun at shooting guard, he should control the offensive game against Kris Dunn with his ability to create traps on defense. As Braun is a great shooter as well, he will hit threes and jump shots with ease.
Having Miachel Porter Jr. at small forward, his ability to create perimeter looks has continued to be huge for this Denver unit. Someone who can provide great size as a rebounder, his defensive ability to block will limit Norman Powell’s offensive game. Being a piece that will lock him down, he should also drive in for dunks and dominate the glass throughout. Knowing that he has a great wingspan, his side-to-side and reach-in ability will play a key factor. Seeing that Aaron Gordon is one of the best rebounders and more aggressive than Nicolas Batum, he should provide tons of layups. With Nikola Jokic going to play an MVP form against Ivica Zubac, the Nuggets bench will be led by Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson. As Kevin Porter Jr. and Kai Jones will try to provide for Los Angeles, their prowess could make this game closer.
Our prediction: Denver Nuggets win and cover their -2.5 spread, while the score goes over 220.5 points.
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