Game Details:
Matchup: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Betting Line: Clippers -2.5 | Over/Under: 224.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Positioning on the Line

As the regular season winds down, both Denver and Los Angeles are battling for playoff seeding in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. The Nuggets currently sit slightly above the Clippers in the standings, but a win for Los Angeles tonight would tighten the gap and enhance their hopes for home-court advantage in the first round.

Murray Injury Watch

Denver star guard Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with a lingering hamstring issue. If he can’t go, expect Reggie Jackson to see a major uptick in minutes and usage. The Clippers, meanwhile, are near full strength and should have both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the starting lineup.

Series History

Denver has won two of the three meetings this season, including a solid 113-105 win in late March. Nikola Jokic put up 29 points and 12 assists in that game, dominating the paint against Ivica Zubac.

Injury Report

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

Los Angeles Clippers:
Out: Mason Plumlee (foot)
Probable: Norman Powell (wrist)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

• Nuggets: 35-31 ATS this season
• Clippers: 33-33 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

• The total has gone under in 5 of the Nuggets’ last 7 games
• The total has gone over in 4 of the Clippers’ last 5 games

Road and Home Trends:

• Nuggets: 18-16 on the road
• Clippers: 24-13 at home

Player Prop to Watch

Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) – Assists Total: 10.5
If Murray is limited or out, expect Jokic to take on a larger playmaking role. He’s recorded 11+ assists in 3 of his last 5 games and thrives against smaller lineups like the Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) – Points Total: 23.5
Leonard has averaged 26.2 points over the last five games and will likely be the focal point offensively in another high-stakes game.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Clippers -2.5 → With the home-court advantage and a mostly healthy roster, Los Angeles should come out focused in one of their biggest tests down the stretch.

Total: Under 224.5 → With Denver slowing the tempo and possible Murray absence, this could be a grind-it-out type game.

Player Prop: Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 assists → His role as facilitator grows without Murray on the floor.

This could be a potential playoff preview, and both teams will look to make a statement. Expect a tough, defensive battle with the Clippers narrowly edging out a win at home.

Final Score Prediction: Clippers 109, Nuggets 105