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The Denver Nuggets (0-1) welcome the LA Clippers (0-1) to Ball Arena Saturday for a Western Conference clash. Tip is set for 5 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Clippers vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; split 2-2 last season
The Nuggets, who were 1-4 straight up (SU) and 0-5 against the spread (ATS) in the preseason, lost 102-87 as 2-point home favorites to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their season opener Thursday with the Under (229) hitting. All 5 Denver starters scored in double figures as 3-time MVP C Nikola Jokic led the way with 16 points and a game-high 13 assists. The Nuggets have been among the best teams in the NBA the last few seasons, but were 43-49-2 ATS (playoffs included) last season.
The Clippers, who lost F Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in offseason free agency and failed to find someone to replace his offensive star power, went 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in the preseason. They lost their season-opener in overtime to the visiting Phoenix Suns 116-113 Wednesday but covered as 5-point underdogs. The Over (224.5) cashed thanks to OT. G James Harden led the Clips with 29 points and 12 rebounds, both game-highs.
Clippers at Nuggets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:02 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Clippers +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Nuggets -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +7.5 (-105) | Nuggets -7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Clippers at Nuggets key injuries
Clippers
- C Mo Bamba (knee) out
- F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
Nuggets
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Clippers at Nuggets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 114, Clippers 105
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no reason to take the Nuggets (-350) to outright win here. They are too expensive as home favorites, and the Clippers (+260) are too risky as road underdogs. AVOID a moneyline play even though Denver should come out on top.
Against the spread
BET NUGGETS -7.5 (-115).
The Nuggets shot unreasonably poor from both the field and from deep in their season opener. They shot 35.7% from the field and 18.4% from deep, yet managed 17 offensive rebounds. They should see those percentages improve against a defense not quite as stingy as the Thunder.
The Clippers scored just 103 points in regulation vs. Phoenix and will be down arguably their best player in Leonard. Harden will take the bulk of shots; he put up 28 shots vs. the Suns. The Clippers, outside of losing George, have a similar roster to last season where they were 14-20 ATS after a loss, the second-worst record in that situation in the NBA — the Atlanta Hawks were the worst at 13-33.
Put it all together and BACK NUGGETS -7.5 (-115).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 218.5 (-110).
The Clippers and Suns were knotted up at 103 points prior to going into overtime and the Over inevitably hitting.
The Nuggets, who only scored 87 points, and Thunder went far Under the 229 total with just 189 points scored in their opener. The Nuggets didn’t score more than 104 points in 3 of 5 preseason games.
Expect both teams to continue their slow play. BET UNDER 218.5 (-110).
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