The Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) visit the Denver Nuggets (0-1) on NBA Saturday, tipping off at 5 p.m. from Denver, Colorado. The game is airing live on NBA TV and streaming on YouTube TV and other streaming apps.
The Nuggets are 8-point favorites over the Clippers on the spread (Nuggets -8), with the over/under currently at 219 points. The Nuggets are -340 favorites on the moneyline to win outright, while the Clippers are +270 to pull off the upset.
Let's dive into my Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, October 26.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Prediction
Clippers vs. Nuggets pick: Over 219.5 (-110)
I think this is a strong pick for both market direction reasons and game styles. We are seeing some 220.5s start to pop up in the market, and I think it has room to go slightly higher than that.
I also think both teams lack true rim protection, and while the discussion revolves around Denver's shooting woes, they may try to ramp up the pace in the early season altitude and attack the rim efficiently.
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Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 219 -110 / -110 | +270 |
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 219 -110 / -110 | -340 |
- Clippers vs. Nuggets spread: Nuggets -8
- Clippers vs. Nuggets over/under: 219 points
- Clippers vs. Nuggets moneyline: Denver Nuggets -340, Los Angeles Clippers +270
- Clippers vs. Nuggets best bet: Over 219.5
Spread
There has been a rush of Clipper action into this game market. The line opened as high as Nuggets -10 before coming down to 7.5. I suspect this is the stopping point or it moves back to around 8/8.5. But this is not a line I want any action in.
The Nuggets are a force at home, and altitude is more of an impact early in the season, but they have not looked right since the end of last year, and had another offseason of talent loss.
I wonder if the market is too high on Nuggets based on their priors, but I also cant play the Clippers after it moved from +10 down to +8. This one has red flag/stay away written all over it.
Moneyline
I dont mind a small play on Denver ML. They did drop Game 1, stayed at home with no travel, and the Clippers are traveling after an overtime game to altitude.
The situational spots lines up well, and they can matchup Jokic/Zubac and throw multiple looks at Harden. It would take a Hero Harden game to beat Denver, despite not wanting to lay 7 points on a spread, I would look at Denver ML.
Over/Under
The total is climbing and for good reason. Both of these teams have a generational force at the helm of their offense in Jokic and James Harden. These players know how to create good looks for themselves and their teammates, and I suspect efficiency in this game is high.
Neither team has stellar rim protection, so the shooting woes are less concerning as the players can get to basket.
My pick: Over 219.5 (-110)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Betting Trends to Know
- 75% of bets and 74% of the money are on the Clippers to cover the spread.
- 86% of bets and 78% of the money are on the over.
- 94% of bets and 74% of the money on the moneyline are on the Nuggets to win.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Start Time, Channel, Streaming
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado |
| Date: | Saturday, October 26 |
| Kickoff Time: | 5 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | NBA TV, Streaming on YouTube TV |
Nuggets vs. Clippers is scheduled for a 5 p.m. ET start time, live from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Saturday. The game is live on NBA TV and is streaming on YouTube TV.
Clippers vs. Nuggets NBA Preview
Los Angeles Clippers: Having the Tools to Remain Competitive
The LA Clippers have the tools to remain competitive despite being down Kawhi Leonard (and losing Paul George in free agency). James Harden is still so skilled and smart offensively he can generate himself and his teammates good opportunities.
The Clippers have shooters in Norm Powell and Terrence Mann, and a double double machine in Zubac roaming the paint. They fit well together with Zubac setting the lead screen for a Harden action, and are well coached with Lue.
The win total market was down on the Clippers for injury reasons, but the game markets are backing them to remain in the fight.
Denver Nuggets: On the Decline?
The Denver Nuggets have never been viewed worse by the public since four years ago. Everyone assumes they are over the hill and on the downturn.
Part of that stems from not re-signing KCP, but I want to cool the jets. Denver still has the best player in the league, and signed Murray and Gordon to extensions this summer.
They have a championship core that will win a ton of contests and should nearly lock in a playoff spot, maybe even avoiding the play-in tournament in a stacked Western Conference.
My pick: Over 219.5 (-110)
