Denver Nuggets vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers January 8th 2025

At 9:00 ET, the Clippers (-145) will be in Denver to take on the Nuggets (+122) in a Western Conference matchup. The Clippers are currently 7th in the West with a record of 20-16, while the Nuggets are 4th in the conference at 20-15.

The over/under line for this game is 227.5 points. The Clippers are favored by 2.5 points and will be looking to improve their 2nd place standing in the Pacific Division. The Nuggets are 2nd in the Northwest Division.

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Clippers vs. Nuggets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets
• Where: Denver at Ball Arena
• Date: Wednesday, January 8th
• Betting Odds LAC -2.5, LAC -145 | DEN +122 O/U 227.5

The Clippers Can Win If…

The Clippers fell to 20-16 on the season after a narrow 108-106 road loss to the Timberwolves on Monday. Despite being +2.5 point underdogs, L.A. covered the spread. The game’s total points of 214 just missed the O/U line of 214.5.

L.A. started strong, going on an 11-0 run to take an 18-7 lead and finished the 1st quarter up 27-16. However, they couldn’t maintain their momentum, as Minnesota outscored them in each of the final three quarters, including a 31-23 edge in the 3rd. The Clippers entered the 4th quarter down 77-76 and were edged out 31-30 in the final period.

The Clippers shot just 41.6% from the field in their 108-106 loss to the Timberwolves, with a three-point percentage of 34.3%. Norman Powell led the way with 25 points, hitting 40% of his threes, while James Harden added 22 points and 8 assists, despite shooting 36.4% from the floor and 27.3% from deep.

Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points and 16 rebounds, connecting on 63.6% of his shots. Powell scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Harden put up 11 points in the 3rd.

The Clippers’ defense started strong, giving up just 16 points in the 1st quarter, but they couldn’t maintain that momentum, allowing 30 points in the 2nd and 31 in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Overall, they gave up 108 points on 44% shooting from the Timberwolves.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers struggled, allowing Minnesota to hit 16 threes at a 41% clip. They did limit the Timberwolves’ trips to the free-throw line, where they went 10/17. The Clippers also recorded 9 steals and 10 blocks.

• When looking at their past five road matchups, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 104 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• As the betting favorite, the Clippers have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.
• Over their last three games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Nuggets Can Win If…

The Nuggets fell to 20-15 on the season after a 118-106 loss to the Celtics on Tuesday. Denver, who were +10.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread at home. The game’s total of 224 points came in under the pre-game line of 231.

Denver started strong in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Boston 32-20, but the Celtics responded by winning the 3rd quarter 31-26. A 15-0 run by Boston in the 4th quarter sealed the game, as they stretched the score from 95-93 to 108-95.

In their 118-106 loss to the Celtics, the Nuggets shot 46% from the field, with a three-point percentage of 38.9%, hitting 14 threes in the game. Russell Westbrook led the way with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, connecting on 4 threes at a 44.4% rate.

Julian Strawther and Jamal Murray both contributed 19 points, with Strawther hitting 3 threes at 50% efficiency. Westbrook scored 9 points in the 3rd quarter, while Christian Braun added 7 of his 12 points in the same period.

Defensively, the Nuggets had a strong 2nd quarter, holding the Celtics to 20 points, but they allowed 37 in the 1st and 30 in the 4th, contributing to their 118-106 loss. Denver gave up 31 points in the 3rd quarter as well.

From beyond the arc, the Nuggets held the Celtics to 34% shooting, with Boston making 12 threes. Denver sent the Celtics to the line 20 times, where they hit 18 free throws. The Nuggets recorded 6 steals and 6 blocks in the game.

• When looking at their past three matchups at home, Denver has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 118 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Denver has an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Nuggets have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

We’re calling a win for the Clippers, with a final score of 134-84, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Clippers at -2.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 227.5, and our model predicts the Clippers and Nuggets to score a combined 218 points. We recommend betting on the under.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

The Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell has been having a stellar season, and his performances against the Denver Nuggets stand out even more. As the Clippers prepare to face the Nuggets on Wednesday night, Powell’s ability to deliver big games could prove decisive.

Powell’s Dominance Against Denver

Norman Powell is averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game this season, but his numbers soar against the Nuggets, where he’s averaged 27 points in three matchups. His standout performances include:

• October 26: A season-high 37 points, including seven 3-pointers.
• December 1: A strong 28-point showing.
• December 13: A quieter 16 points, coinciding with the Clippers’ sole loss to Denver this season.

As Powell continues his career-best scoring pace, he’ll look to replicate his earlier successes against a shorthanded Denver squad.

Kawhi Leonard’s Return Adds Depth

Kawhi Leonard’s return to the lineup offers the Clippers a major boost. Although Leonard has eased into play since debuting against Atlanta on Saturday, his presence strengthens the team’s overall strategy.

“We’re still easing me into the game,” Leonard said after his return. “We’re on nobody’s timetable… we know what’s ahead of us and have to keep building in the right direction.”

Leonard’s measured approach highlights a long-term focus, but his ability to impact both ends of the court could tip the scales in favor of Los Angeles.

James Harden’s Consistency

With Leonard out for much of the season, James Harden has stepped up as a key contributor, averaging 21.6 points per game and leading the team in assists (8.0). Harden’s playmaking and scoring have helped keep the Clippers competitive, pairing effectively with Powell’s offensive prowess.

Denver Faces Significant Obstacles

The Denver Nuggets enter the matchup facing major challenges:

• Nikola Jokic’s Availability: Jokic, who missed Tuesday’s game against Boston due to a non-COVID illness, is questionable for Wednesday. The three-time MVP is second in the NBA in scoring (31.5 points per game) and assists (9.7), third in rebounds (13.0), and leads the league in 3-point percentage (47.3%). His 14 triple-doubles this season further underline his impact.
• Aaron Gordon’s Absence: Gordon has missed seven straight games due to a right calf strain, leaving Denver without one of their key defensive anchors.

The Nuggets have struggled without Jokic, posting a 1-3 record in his absence. Coach Michael Malone admitted Jokic’s illness had worsened, stating, “He’s trying to fight through it.”

Without Jokic and Gordon, the Nuggets will need players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray to step up, while Russell Westbrook, who has been thriving as a starter for the Clippers, could exploit Denver’s weakened lineup.

Denver’s Home Struggles

A surprising factor this season has been Denver’s inconsistency at home. The Nuggets are just 10-7 on their home court, a sharp decline from their dominant records of 33-8 and 34-7 over the last two seasons. This decline could spell trouble against a rested Clippers team.

Scores&Stats Expert Betting Guide

Clippers’ Advantage

The Clippers have the advantage of rest, with Denver coming off a tough loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Los Angeles’ rested lineup, featuring Powell’s offensive firepower and Leonard’s growing presence, is well-positioned to exploit the Nuggets’ vulnerabilities.

With Powell’s proven ability to deliver against Denver and Leonard’s gradual return, the Clippers aim to end their regular-season meetings with the Nuggets on a high note.

Conclusion

This game presents a golden opportunity for the Clippers to capitalize on the Nuggets’ struggles, especially if Jokic remains sidelined. Norman Powell’s standout performances against Denver, paired with Kawhi Leonard’s return and James Harden’s consistency, make Los Angeles a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Denver’s success hinges on adapting to their roster challenges and finding ways to perform without their MVP.

Will Powell once again shine against Denver, or can the Nuggets overcome adversity on their home court? Fans won’t want to miss this intriguing Western Conference showdown.