Clippers vs. Nuggets Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 3, 4/26

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets face off in a pivotal game 4 in the 2025 NBA Playoffs first-round series today with the series likely at a critical juncture. After splitting the first two games in Denver, and a blowout victory for Los Angeles in game three, this matchup promises high stakes as both teams vie for control.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Predictions for NBA Playoffs Game 4 on TNT, 4/26
The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard’s postseason prowess, aim to leverage their home court, while the Nuggets, powered by Nikola Jokic’s all-around dominance, look to steal a road win. Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, betting picks, and everything you need to know for this Western Conference showdown.
Los Angeles Clippers: Sailing into the Second Round?
The Clippers have been a force since Kawhi Leonard returned to full health, posting a 9 - 1 record over their final 10 regular-season games. Leonard’s game 2 masterpiece (39 points, 15-for-19 shooting) showcased his ability to take over, while James Harden’s playmaking (23.3 points, 9.0 assists per game in the series) has kept the offense humming.
The Clippers’ elite defense, ranking fourth in the NBA during the regular season, has challenged Jokic with Ivica Zubac’s improved rim protection. Los Angeles is 31 - 11 at Intuit Dome this season, making them a formidable bet to win again. However, late-game miscues in Game 1 and rebounding struggles could haunt them if they do not take Denver seriously.
With a deep bench featuring Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Derrick Jones, the Clippers have the versatility to match Denver’s firepower, But they’ll need to limit turnovers and capitalize on their home crowd’s energy to take a 3-1 lead.
Denver Nuggets: A Golden Opportunity for Stars to Shine
The Nuggets remain a playoff juggernaut behind Nikola Jokic, who’s averaging a triple-double (26.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 11.7 assists) this postseason. Jamal Murray’s playoff scoring surge (24.1 PPG career average) has resurfaced, with 21 or more points in the first three games.
However, Denver’s depth is a concern, especially with Michael Porter questionable due to a shoulder sprain suffered in game 2. The Nuggets’ 25th-ranked defense and 20 turnovers in game 2 expose vulnerabilities against the Clippers’ disciplined defense. They must eliminate turnovers and make their free throws to win this match.
Jokic’s ability to exploit double-teams, 10 or more assists in every game this series, and Denver’s championship pedigree make them a scary team when down 1 - 2. Interim coach David Adelman’s steady hand since Michael Malone’s firing adds reassurance, but the Nuggets must overcome their thin rotation to swing momentum. They need their best players to have their best game of the series.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Based on the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, here’s how game 4 shapes up (subject to change):
- Moneyline: Clippers -225, Nuggets +185
- Spread: Clippers -5.5 (-110), Nuggets +5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 212.5 points (-110 for both Over and Under)
The Clippers open as 5.5-point favorites but the line could move depending on injury information about the Nuggets players. The total has dropped to 212.5, aligning with the Under hitting in Game 3 (200 total points). This appears to be the Clippers game and series for the taking, but knocking out a champion is rarely easy.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Player Prop Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 26.5 Points (-115 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Give credit where credit is due, the Los Angeles Clippers have taken away the strengths of the Denver Nuggets. In a post game interview, when responding to the lack of fast break points, Nikola Jokic stated, ‘They are a really good team. They take away what we do well…’. They have a big lineup that is capable of competing with the height of Denver.
Nikola Jokic has been held in check by the Los Angeles Clippers via Ivica Zubac and well timed backside help when he has the ball. It has reflected in his performance as well. Jokic has scored 29, 26, and 23 points in the first three games, with a drop in production by three points per game. His field goal attempts have dwindled in each game as well; 24, 16, 14.
Perhaps that is due to the elbow injury he sustained, but a large portion of it is the suffocating defense the Clippers play with. Regardless of the fact Jokic needs to rise to the occasion, and look for him to get back to the formula that worked for game one. Which is Jokic looking to score first and pass second.
Jokic has also missed four free throws in consecutive playoff games, he does not have to be perfect but he can not miss more than two in such critical games. Look for Nikola Jokic to score often, and he is +500 to be the first scorer in the game, which is tempting. He averages 29.6 points per game this season, and should score near or over his average tonight. Put a unit on it at DraftKings and make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer at the end of this article.
How To Watch Clippers vs. Nuggets on TNT Today
Game 4 tips off at 6:00 p.m. ET today, April 26, 2025, from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The game will air live on TNT, with streaming available on:
- FuboTV: Offers a free trial for new users, including TNT.
- NBA League Pass: Available for out-of-market viewers, subject to blackout restrictions.
- TNT App: Requires a cable or streaming provider login.
Check local listings for channel details, and ensure your streaming service includes TNT for live coverage.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report
- Clippers: No injuries reported.
- Nuggets: Michael Porter (questionable, shoulder sprain), Russell Westbrook (questionable, foot)
Projected Starting Lineups
- Clippers: PG James Harden, SG Kris Dunn, SF Norman Powell, PF Kawhi Leonard, C Ivica Zubac
- Nuggets: PG Jamal Murray, SG Christian Braun, SF Michael Porter (if available, else Peyton Watson), PF Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic
Porter’s status is a game-changer; if he’s out, Denver’s spacing suffers, leaning heavier on Jokic and Murray.
How To Bet On Clippers vs. Nuggets at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $150 Bonus
Betting on Game 4 is easy with DraftKings Sportsbook, which offers a $150 bonus for new users. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign Up: Visit sportsbook.draftkings.com and click “Sign Up.”
- Deposit: Add a minimum of $10 to your account.
- Place a Bet: Bet at least $5 on any Clippers vs. Nuggets market (moneyline, spread, player props, etc.).
- Claim Bonus: Win or lose, DraftKings will credit six $25 bonus bets ($150 total) instantly.,
No promo code is required, but you must be 21+ and in a state where DraftKings is licensed (e.g., AZ, CO, IL, IN, NJ, NY, PA, etc.). Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance, so use them on Game 4 or other NBA playoff markets. For the best odds, compare lines at FanDuel or BetMGM via oddschecker.com. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Player News
Mavericks have won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
With just a 1.8 percent chance of success, Dallas leaped up in the lottery to nab the top pick in the 2025 draft. A little over three months after GM Nico Harrison traded away Luka Doncic, the Mavs will have a new young superstar to build around. Cooper Flagg is the expected top pick, and he will flawlessly fit Harrison’s mantra “defensive wins championships” that he has echoed tirelessly in every interview since trading Doncic. Assuming nothing changes, Flagg will join a loaded Dallas team that should be a contender in the stacked Western Conference next season. San Antonio, Philadelphia and Charlotte round out the top four picks in a talented draft class.
Brandin Podziemski had 11 points (3-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and four steals in Game 4 against the Timberwolves on Monday.
Podziemski was 3-of-14 from the field and missed all four of his three-point attempts. His 22.5 field goal percentage in this series is the worst for any player (min. 35 attempts) since Pero Antic shot 16.7 percent in the Hawks vs. Pacers series in 2014, according to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. Down 3-1 in the series now, the Warriors need Stephen Curry to return from his hamstring injury for Game 5, a miracle or both to get back in this series.
Jimmy Butler had 14 points (5-of-9 FGs), six rebounds, three assists and one block in Game 4 against the Timberwolves on Monday.
Despite the Warriors win in Game 1, Butler warned in postgame interviews that Stephen Curry is the team’s best player and it was going to be difficult to win games without him. After what’s transpired over the last three games, which the Warriors have all lost, he might’ve been underselling it. Butler wasn’t able to fill Curry’s shoes in Game 4. In fact, he was a team-worst minus-30 in 34 minutes in the seven-point loss. The Warriors will have their backs against the wall facing elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Julius Randle had 31 points (11-of-21 FGs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and four three-pointers in Game 4 against the Warriors on Monday.
Anthony Edwards had 30 points (11-of-21 FGs), four rebounds, five assists, two steals and six three-pointers in the Timberwolves’ 117-110 victory over the Warriors in Game 4 on Monday.
Derrick White had 23 points (6-of-12 FGs), three rebounds, two assists and six three-pointers against the Knicks in Game 4 on Monday.
White was the Celtics second leading scorer in Game 4, but he was the only consistent scorer for Boston outside of Jayson Tatum. The 30-year-old point guard got all of his points on six three-pointers and five free throws. Unfortunately for the Celtics it wasn’t enough as Boston was trailing when Tatum went down with a lower leg injury in the final minutes, essentially taking a comeback off the table. The Celtics will look to stave off elimination with their backs against the wall at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.