Game Details:
Matchup: Nuggets vs. Clippers
Date & Time: Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 10:30 PM ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Betting Line: Clippers -2.5 | Over/Under: 226.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Positioning at Stake

Both teams have secured playoff spots, but this late-season clash could have major implications when it comes to seeding in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are competing to lock up a top-two seed, while the Clippers are jockeying for favorable matchups in the middle tier of the bracket.

Jokic vs. Leonard: Superstar Showdown

Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic continues to anchor the Nuggets with near triple-double averages. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is back to full strength for the Clippers and has been peaking offensively and defensively. This primetime matchup promises fireworks as these two elite talents face off.

Clippers Look to Rebound After Road Loss

Los Angeles is coming off a disappointing 112-106 loss to Phoenix, where they struggled from deep and allowed too many second-chance points. Returning home, they’ll be desperate to bounce back behind a more focused defensive effort.

Injury Report

Denver Nuggets:
Out: Vlatko Cancar (knee)
Questionable: Jamal Murray (hamstring tightness)

Los Angeles Clippers:
Out: Russell Westbrook (hand), Norman Powell (foot)
Questionable: Ivica Zubac (back spasms)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Nuggets: 38-30-4 ATS this season
Clippers: 35-33-2 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone under in 5 of Nuggets’ last 7 road games
Total has gone over in 6 of Clippers’ last 8 games at home

Player Prop to Watch

Nikola Jokic – Assists Total: 9.5
Jokic had 12 assists in his last game versus the Clippers. With Murray possibly limited or sidelined, expect Jokic to take on more playmaking duties, making the over worth a look.

Kawhi Leonard – Points Total: 25.5
Kawhi has scored 26+ in four of his last six games. With the spotlight bright tonight, leaning the over may be the smart move.

Prediction & Best Bets

This matchup features two battle-tested squads that know how to lock in on both ends of the court. The Nuggets’ consistent offense, even on the road, gives them a solid chance to pull off the upset if Murray plays. However, the Clippers’ strong home form combined with Kawhi’s current rhythm makes them difficult to pick against.

Spread: Clippers -2.5 → Clippers’ home dominance gives them the edge in a close one.
Total: Over 226.5 → Offensive firepower on both sides should push the score upward.
Player Prop: Nikola Jokic Over 9.5 assists → Elevated playmaking role if Murray is out.

Final Score Prediction: Clippers 117, Nuggets 113