The Denver Nuggets (1-1) and Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) will face off in Game 3 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Clippers are 5.5-point favorites over the Nuggets on the spread, with the over/under set at 212.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -225 favorite to win outright, while Denver is +185 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Nuggets vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, April 24.
Nuggets vs Clippers Prediction, Picks for NBA Playoffs Game 3
My Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 3 best bet is on Los Angeles to cover the spread, 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.
My Pick: Clippers -5.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Clippers Game 3 Odds
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 212.5 -110o / -110u | +185 |
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 212.5 -110o / -110u | -225 |
- Nuggets vs. Clippers spread: Clippers -5.5
- Nuggets vs. Clippers over/under: 212.5 total points
- Nuggets vs. Clippers moneyline: Nuggets +185, Clippers -225
- Nuggets vs. Clippers best bet:Clippers -5.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers NBA Playoffs Game 3 Preview
As the NBA turns its attention to Game 3s around the league, the NBA Playoffs are off to thrilling start. However, Nuggets-Clippers has a strong argument for being the best series to this point. Each of the first two games have been decided by three points or less and each team probably feels like they should have a 2-0 lead.
There have been Hall-of-Fame level performances on each side as well. In Game 1, James Harden went for 32 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. Teammate Kawhi Leonard picked up the slack in Game 2 with 39 points on 15-for-19 from the field. He is one of three players with four playoff games with 30+ points while 75% or better from the field.
Nikola Jokic has gone for 29 points, nine rebound, and 12 assists and 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists through the first two games. However, he may be kicking himself for his seven turnovers on Monday. Both Jokic and Christian Braun missed opportunities to tie the game with three-pointers in the waning seconds.
Now, the series shifts to Southern California. The Clippers went 30-11 in the Intuit Dome in the regular season. This will also be the first home playoff game in their new arena, so you can expect a raucous environment tonight.
At this point, it should come as no surprise that these teams split the first two games or that they came down to the final moments. They have split the last 10 meetings five apiece, including going 3-3 against each other this season. However, due to the NBA Cup, this will be the just the second of seven meetings thus far at the Intuit Dome.
The Clippers have won and covered each of their last three home games against the Nuggets. While tonight's line is up -5.5, I trust the Clippers in this spot because they have the better defense and Leonard to close the game. Even if it is tight again late, a stop or two and free throws may get the Clippers a cover.
I am also going with all Clippers for tonight's same-game parlay, starting with Leonard. The Clippers star has scored 25 points in six of his last 10 games. He is averaging 28.5 points in 30 career playoff games with the Clippers.
Ivica Zubac has his hands full going against Jokic. However, he has more than held his own, averaging 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds through the first two games in this season. He has recorded a double-double in six of his last nine games against the Nuggets and in 19 of his last 20 games going back to the regular season.
For the final leg, I am going with Kris Dunn, who has been a factor thus far with four steals in the first two games. His defense will keep him on the floor and give him opportunities to accumulate stats. He has recorded 14 and 13 points, rebounds, and assists combined in the first two games. I like him to have at least 12 PRA tonight.
Nuggets vs Clippers Game 3 Betting Prediction
- Clippers -5.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Clippers Parlay Picks for Game 3
- Kawhi Leonard 25+ Points
- Ivica Zubac to Record a Double-Double
- Kris Dunn Over 11.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +295 via Fanatics
Clippers vs. Nuggets Betting Trends
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