The Los Angeles Clippers (20-16) and Denver Nuggets (20-15) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in The Mile High City. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Clippers are 1.5-point favorites over the Nuggets on the spread, with the over/under set at 225 total points. Los Angeles is a -120 favorite to win outright, while Denver is +100 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Clippers vs Nuggets predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday night.
Clippers vs Nuggets Picks, Prediction
Spread
The spread for this game hangs at Clippers -1.5 as road favorites as of this writing. I say that because much of this spread hangs in the balance of Nikola Jokic's availability.
This game is Denver's second night of a back-to-back, and Jokic missed the first one as a late scratch with an illness. He left the arena before the game — which could be a sign he will need some time, or it could simply be an effort to try and prevent others from getting sick.
The fact that he's still questionable so close to tip-off makes me think the status will remain until at least shootaround.
The way the line is priced, Jokic is doubtful and closer to out. The Nuggets have shown they are one of the worst teams in the league without Jokic, so Clippers -1.5 would be the side I want.
Moneyline
I would avoid the moneyline market unless you disagree with me and want Denver here. Final scoring margins of -1 and -2 are not very common NBA outcomes. Therefore, it's not worth it to pay for the ML insurance.
On the flip side, if you like Denver, then yes, take the escalator in addition to some spread exposure.
There is also the chance that if Jokic plays, the Nuggets are instantly favored in this spot. Then, a plus-money underdog moneyline that turns into a pregame favorite would be excellent value.
Over/Under
The total is a complete middle-zone between one team that plays high totals and high pace in Denver and a Clippers team that plays slow and methodical on both sides of the ball and can win in a half-court game.
It makes capping the total so hard, especially with the Jokic's impact on the total as well.
I would pair your pregame spread angle with total — if you like the Clippers, you like the Under; if you like the Nuggets, you like the Over.
My Pick: Clippers -1.5 (-110)
Clippers vs Nuggets Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 225 -110 / -110 | -120 |
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 225 -110 / -110 | +100 |
- Clippers vs. Nuggets spread: Clippers -1.5
- Clippers vs. Nuggets over/under: 225 total points
- Clippers vs. Nuggets moneyline: Nuggets +100, Clippers -120
- Clippers vs. Nuggets best bet: Clippers -1.5 (-110)
My Nuggets vs. Clippers best bet is on Los Angeles to cover the spread at -1.5, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Preview
This is admittedly a hard game to write up because the best basketball player in the world is questionable with an illness after being a late scratch on the second night of a back-to-back.
That news will tilt all the current betting lines.
Follow the Denver beat writers, and our very own Matt Moore is incredibly locked in with this team, so he could emerge as a key source.
If you get ahead of the news, hit the line with authority because whichever way this goes will set up a dominant ticket.
It is currently priced as if Jokic is going to be out, and if it goes the distance to a confirmed out, then Clippers -2.5 is a steal with Kawhi back for his third game.
Clippers vs Nuggets Predictions, Best Bets
The same game parlay for this matchup becomes obvious: Clippers and the Under, betting on the notion Jokic may be sidelined for Denver yet again in this one.
I suspect Murray also becomes questionable on the second night of a back to back, as he has dealt with lingering hamstring issues all season.
Pair the Clippers -1.5 and the Under for a parlay payout of +260 at DraftKings.
Best Bet: Clippers -1.5 (-110)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Parlay Picks
- Clippers -1.5
- Under 225
Parlay Payout: +260
Clippers vs. Nuggets Betting Trends
