Betsided

Clippers vs. Nuggets Prediction and Odds (Two Top 10 Defenses Set to Battle)

By Matt De Saro

The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers face off tonight in a game that could surprise many when the final scores are tallied.
The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers face off tonight in a game that could surprise many when the final scores are tallied. / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

A Western Conference war goes down on Saturday night when the struggling Los Angeles Clippers hit the road to take on the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena. This game has a lot of implications for the standings as the pair are separated by less than two games in the West.

The Clippers are coming off a 139-133 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday, putting the brakes on a two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are coming off a brutal 125-102 loss to the Utah Jazz over the weekend. The Nuggets are now 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games but favored in this game by six. The Last time these two teams met was on Jan. 11 when the Clippers won 87-85. 

Here are the odds for this important Western Conference battle, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Clippers +8 (-110)
  • Nuggets -8 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Clippers +280
  • Nuggets -360

Total: 213 (Over -110/Under -110)

Clippers vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick

This game could turn into a largely defensive matchup with both teams ranking in the top 10 of scoring defense. The Clippers give up 106 PPG while the Nuggets edge them out with 105.9 PPG allowed. The UNDER has hit in the last two games between these two teams and it makes sense as to why. While both teams are top 10 in scoring defense, they are also in the bottom 23 in scoring offense.

All signs might point towards an UNDER bet here, I want to make a little contrarian play here.

See, the total is very low for an NBA game no matter who the two teams are. I think it is an overreaction to two of the best defenses going against two of the weakest offenses. While I don’t expect a 240 point slobberknocker, I do think that the total here is way too low. The OVER is 3-0 in Denver’s last three games and is averaging over 125 PPG during that time.

The Nuggets tend to shoot better on their home court and the Clippers scored 139 points in their last game out 

Pick: Clippers & Nuggets OVER 213 (-110)

Home/NBA Odds