The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Denver Nuggets in both teams’ second game of the NBA In-Season tournament. Denver was able to come away with a 125-114 win against the Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of the In-Season tournament, while Los Angeles suffered an 18-point loss to the Mavericks.
Players look to be more enthusiastic about these games as there’s a significant incentive of $500,000 for each player of the team that wins the championship. Denver can take a commanding 2-0 lead in Group B and secure sole possession of first place. Los Angeles will look to find a way to win and avoid falling to a 0-2 record. If they lose, they’re virtually out of the In-Season tournament.
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Nuggets – Clippers Prediction
- Pick: Nuggets to win
- Odds: -244 (Tonybet)
The Clippers decided to trade for James Harden, and they’re hopeful that it’s going to pay off for them in the near future. Denver, unfortunately, will be without Jamal Murray for an extended period. The injury to Murray could be the deciding factor in the game.
On the season, Denver has significantly outplayed Los Angeles. Denver currently ranks fourth in net rating (9.5), fifth in offensive rating (117.6), and sixth in defensive rating (108.2).
Los Angeles ranks 12th in net rating (1.6), 14th in defensive rating (111.3), and 12th in offensive rating (112.9). With Harden on the court, the Clippers are -67 and +24, with him on the bench in his first four games.
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Nuggets – Clippers Betting Tips
- Pick: Nikola Jokic over 30.5
- Odds: -108 (Tonybet)
Nikola Jokic has been one of the early favourites for 2023 NBA picks. Whether it be betting on his triple-double, points, or assists line, Jokic is a profitable player to bet on. So, keep your eyes on him in this match-up because the Clippers lack size at the centre position.
Mason Plumlee will be out due to an MCL sprain, which leads to Ivica Zubac being the only centre. When Zubac is off the court, the Clippers will turn to PJ Tucker at the five. This sets up a favourable match-up for Jokic, who feasts against smaller defenders.
Jokic has scored over 30 points in four of his past five games and has scored at least 27 points in all but one game this season.
