Denver Nuggets vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions December 13th 2024

Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers December 13th 2024

In a Western Conference matchup, the Nuggets (-269) are favored by 6.5 points over the Clippers (+222). The over/under line is set at 228.5.

Los Angeles (14-11) is currently 6th in the Western Conference, while Denver (12-10) is 7th. Both teams have lost two straight games.

Clippers vs. Nuggets Key Information

The Clippers fell to 14-11 on the season after a 117-106 home loss to the Rockets on Sunday. Los Angeles, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 223, surpassing the pre-game line of 214.

Houston took control with a 12-0 run, extending their lead from 53-50 to 62-53. The Clippers couldn’t recover, as they were outscored 34-24 in the 2nd quarter. Despite a more even 3rd quarter (31-31), L.A. couldn’t close the gap in the 4th, where they outscored the Rockets 23-22.

In their 117-106 loss to the Rockets, the Clippers struggled offensively, shooting 44.6% from the field and hitting just 11 threes at a 32.4% clip. Bones Hyland led the way with 22 points, connecting on 5 threes at 50% efficiency, while also adding 4 assists.

The smart way to bet begins here!

Join Now!

Ivica Zubac contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 60% from the floor. Kevin Porter Jr. added 19 points, with 9 of those coming in the 3rd quarter, and Norman Powell chipped in 17 points, scoring 7 in the 3rd as well.

The Clippers gave up 117 points to the Rockets, allowing 30 points in the 1st quarter, 34 in the 2nd, and 31 in the 3rd. They tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 22 points. Overall, the Rockets shot 48% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers allowed 15 threes on 36% shooting. The Rockets also went to the line 26 times, hitting 22 free throws. Defensively, the Clippers recorded 11 steals and 3 blocks.

The Nuggets improved to 12-10 this season with a commanding 141-111 win over the Hawks on Sunday. Denver, who were +1.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 252, surpassing the O/U line of 240.5.

Denver jumped out to a 38-23 lead after the 1st quarter and extended it by outscoring Atlanta 33-25 in the 2nd. Although the Hawks went on a 10-0 run, cutting the score from 95-67 to 95-77, the Nuggets responded by outscoring Atlanta 35-27 in the 4th quarter.

The Nuggets put up 141 points in their win over the Hawks, shooting 62.9% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. Nikola Jokic led the way with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, hitting 3 threes at a 50% clip.

Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points on 70.6% shooting, while Christian Braun contributed 17 points, making all of his 3-point attempts. Denver hit 12 threes in the game, with Jokic scoring 16 points in the 3rd quarter alone.

Looking for insights? Start your day with the latest from Scores and Stats on our blog.

Defensively, the Nuggets held the Hawks to 111 points on Sunday, allowing 23 points in the 1st quarter and 25 in the 2nd. They gave up 36 points in the 3rd but tightened up in the 4th, allowing 27 points.

Denver limited Atlanta to 40% shooting, including just 9 made threes on 22% shooting. The Hawks went 20/27 from the free-throw line. The Nuggets also recorded 9 steals and 5 blocks.

Not only do we have the Nuggets winning this one by a score of 120-93, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Nuggets at -6.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 228.5 and our model has the Clippers and Nuggets finishing with a combined 213 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Nikola Jokic and Nuggets Seek Revenge Against Clippers

The Denver Nuggets aim to secure consecutive wins for the first time in a month as they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Fresh off a dominant offensive performance against the Atlanta Hawks, the Nuggets are eager to flip the script after dropping two earlier matchups to the Clippers this season.

Jokic’s Offensive Onslaught

Reigning three-time MVP Nikola Jokic continues to deliver jaw-dropping performances. In Denver’s 141-111 rout of Atlanta on Sunday, Jokic posted 48 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Over his last two games, he’s amassed 104 points, including a 56-point outing in a loss to the Washington Wizards.

Jokic leads the NBA in rebounds (13.6 per game) and ranks second in points (32.3) and assists (10.2), cementing his case for another MVP run. However, Denver’s reliance on their superstar has been amplified by the absence of Jamal Murray, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and remains questionable for Friday.

Veteran guard Russell Westbrook, in his first season with Denver, has stepped up in Murray’s absence. Averaging 11.5 assists over the past two games, Westbrook’s chemistry with Jokic has been pivotal.

“When Russ is out there with Nikola, he’s just always looking for him,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “You’re playing with the best player in the world. You might want to give him the ball.”

Clippers Weather the Storm Without Leonard

The Clippers have stayed competitive despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play this season due to a knee injury. Leonard has recently returned to practice, providing a morale boost for the team.

“It raised our energy just for our guys to see him on the floor,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. “It brought a juice to our team, so we needed that jolt.”

Los Angeles holds a 14-11 record, thanks in part to strong contributions from Norman Powell and James Harden. Powell has averaged 32.5 points in the Clippers’ two wins over Denver this season and leads the team with 23.6 points per game. Harden, averaging 21.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds, has provided stability as Leonard works toward his return.

While Leonard won’t travel with the team for Friday’s game, the Clippers have leaned on their defense, allowing just 107.4 points per game—the fifth-best mark in the league.

Injury Updates and X-Factors

The Nuggets could get a boost with the expected return of Dario Saric, who missed the past two games with an ankle injury. For the Clippers, Terance Mann (finger) and Harden (groin) are game-time decisions.

Bet Smarter on the NBA Tonight! Check out NBA basketball picks of the day.

The Clippers’ defensive prowess will be tested against Jokic and Denver’s high-powered offense, especially if Murray remains sidelined. Conversely, Denver must find a way to contain Powell, who has been a thorn in their side this season.

Season Series So Far

The Clippers have taken both matchups against the Nuggets this season. In the first meeting, Powell dropped 34 points in a close win, while Los Angeles’ defense stifled Denver in the second game. Friday’s contest marks an opportunity for the Nuggets to not only even the season series but also build much-needed momentum.

What to Watch

• Jokic’s Dominance: Can the Clippers find a way to slow down the league’s most versatile big man?
• Clippers’ Defense: Will their fifth-ranked defense hold strong against Denver’s surging offense?
• Supporting Cast Contributions: With stars like Leonard and Murray potentially unavailable, role players like Westbrook, Powell, and Saric could play key roles.

This matchup between Western Conference contenders promises plenty of intrigue as the Nuggets seek redemption and the Clippers aim to maintain their upper hand. Fans can expect a high-energy battle between two teams with much to prove.