Clippers vs. Nuggets Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs, Today 4/19
The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets kick off their first-round NBA playoff series on April 19, 2025, at Ball Arena, promising a thrilling Western Conference showdown and start to our Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions.
This highly anticipated matchup features two teams with championship aspirations, led by superstar talent and contrasting styles.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Predictions For Tonight NBA Playoffs, 4/19
The Clippers, with their elite defense and balanced scoring, face a Nuggets squad powered by Nikola Jokic’s unmatched playmaking.
Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, Clippers vs. Nuggets picks, and everything you need to know to bet on this game.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi’s Return Fuels a Cinderella Story
The Clippers enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, riding a wave of momentum after a scorching finish to the regular season. Since Kawhi Leonard returned from injury on January 4, the Clippers have posted a +7.7 net rating, ranking third in the NBA, with the seventh-best offense and second-best defense.
Leonard’s health has been a game-changer, with the team going 26-11 when he plays, boasting a +12.7 points per 100 possessions differential. James Harden has found consistency, Norman Powell has emerged as a top-tier third scoring option, and Ivica Zubac anchors an underrated frontcourt.
Under coach Tyronn Lue, the Clippers’ elite defensive rating, fourth in the Association, makes them a formidable matchup. Despite a 18-22-1 against-the-spread (ATS) record on the road, their 9 wins over the past 10 games signals they’re peaking at the right time. The narrative around Harden’s playoff performance and Leonard’s injury history looms large, but this Clippers team looks capable of winning the first round.
Denver Nuggets: Jokic Leads Amid Turmoil
The No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets remain a powerhouse, driven by Nikola Jokic, who continues to deliver nightly triple-doubles and is the cornerstone of their fourth-ranked offense. However, the Nuggets face questions after a turbulent end to the regular season, including the firing of head coach Michael Malone. Tensions reportedly arose over lineup decisions, notably Russell Westbrook’s role in the starting lineup.
Denver’s defense ranks 24th overall, and their inconsistency since the All-Star break suggests vulnerabilities. Jamal Murray’s lingering hamstring injury adds uncertainty, though his postseason prowess is undeniable.
Aaron Gordon’s defensive presence will be critical against Leonard, and the home-court advantage at Ball Arena, where Denver went 25-12, could be a factor. Despite the drama, the Nuggets’ top-tier effective field goal percentage (second in the NBA) and Jokic’s dominance keep them dangerous a.s a team that can win it all.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Here are the latest Clippers vs. Nuggets odds for Game 1, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (-142), Los Angeles Clippers (+120)
- Spread: Nuggets -2.5 (-110) , Clippers +2.5 (-110)
- Total (Over/Under): 224 (-110 each)
- Series Odds: Clippers (-118), Nuggets (+100)
The Nuggets opened as series favorites at -165 but have shifted to -142 reflecting bettors’ confidence in the Clippers’ late-season surge. Denver’s 18-23 ATS record at home, and the Clippers’ 6-10 ATS mark as away underdogs suggest a tight contest. The total of 224 reflects Denver’s 48-33-1 OVER record (third-best in the NBA) and the Clippers’ ability to score when needed.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Best Bet: Jamal Murray O19.5 Points (+100 on FanDuel) *2.0 Unit
The Denver Nuggets will be in a battle with the Los Angeles Clippers in what is the most competitive series of the first round. The odds have shifted and moved closer to an even game as the money has come in, and instead of a game bet for Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions, we’re placing a wager on a player that becomes a monster in the playoffs.
In Jamal Murray’s eight year career, he has never been selected to an All-Star nor been selected to an All-NBA team. However he rises to the moment when the games matter most. When most players' numbers dip in the playoffs, his per game averages rise across the board. His points from 18.0 to 24.2, his rebounds from 3.8 to 4.9, his assists 4.7 to 6.2, and his steals 1.0 to 1.1.
Murray has played 65 playoff games and is 31st all-time in playoff points per game, 42nd in playoff assists per game, and has the fifth best playoff free throw percentage (.911). He also averaged the tenth most minutes per game this season with 36.1.
He will be double-teamed and the focal point of the defense, and despite that he will earn twenty or more points. He will do it in the mid-range game, by attacking the paint, with three-point field goals, and free throws. He may not have any accolades besides 2016-17 second team All-Rookie, but he is an NBA Champion and the second-best scorer on a high scoring team.
Put two units on a Murray flurry of points in our Clippers vs. Nuggets picks at FanDuel. At even odds a two-unit profit is a great way to start the series.
How To Watch Clippers vs. Nuggets on ESPN, April 19
- Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app, FuboTV, Sling TV, or Hulu + Live TV
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Check local listings for potential broadcast changes. Streaming services require a subscription, and blackout restrictions may apply in certain regions.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report (as of April 17, 2025, subject to updates):
- Clippers: Nicolas Batum (questionable, groin), Patty Mills (questionable, illness)
- Nuggets: Full Roster
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, PF Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic
Check closer to tip-off for final lineup confirmations, as injuries could shift rotations.
How To Bet On Clippers vs. Nuggets at FanDuel Sportsbook & Claim Your $250 Bonus
- Sign Up: Visit FanDuel Sportsbook and create a new account. No FanDuel promo code is required.
- Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum of $10.
- Place Your First Bet: Wager $5 or more on any Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions (moneyline, spread, total, or props).
- Claim Bonus: If your first $5+ bet wins, you’ll receive $250 in Bonus Bets, regardless of the wager’s outcome.
- Bet Responsibly: Bonus Bets expire 14 days after receipt. Must be 21+ and located in a state where FanDuel is licensed. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
This Clippers-Nuggets matchup is a must-watch, with playoff intensity and expert Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions. The Clippers’ late-season surge and defensive prowess make them a live underdog, while the Nuggets’ home-court edge and Jokic’s brilliance keep them in the fight. Lock in your bets, tune into ESPN, and enjoy the action
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy -
Player News
Buddy Hield had 15 points (5-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Hield moved into the Warriors’ starting lineup in the first round and the team became somewhat reliant on his scoring. With Stephen Curry (hamstring) out in Game 2, Hield started and played 29 minutes. The 32-year-old shooting guard led the Warriors in field goal attempts, though no one in a Golden State uniform was able to reach 20 points. The Warriors weren’t able to overcome a double-digit first half deficit. Despite the four made three-pointers, they’re going to need more from Hield as the series shifts to Golden State, especially if Curry remains out.
Jimmy Butler had 17 points (6-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Butler couldn’t get it done without Stephen Curry (hamstring) on the road in Game 2. The Warriors fell behind by double-digits early and never recovered. Butler had 17 points on 13 shots, which wasn’t far off from the 20 points he had in Game 1. Still, the Warriors have to regroup as they head home for Games 3 and 4 as they try to figure out a way to keep this series close until Curry can return to the court.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 points (7-of-13 FGs), two rebounds, three assists, one block and four three-pointers in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Alexander-Walker was a key scorer off the bench in Game 2. He, Naz Reid and Donte DiVencenzo combined for 10 made three-pointers off the bench. In a game where the Warriors were desperate for scoring without Stephen Curry (hamstring), those bench points were too much to overcome as the Timberwolves won by 24 points.
Julius Randle had 24 points (10-of-17 FGs), seven rebounds, 11 assists and one three-pointer in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Randle led the Timberwolves in scoring in the Game 2 victory. The 30-year-old power forward was just three rebounds away from a triple-double. He was a steadying presence in his 33 minutes as Anthony Edwards dealt with an ankle injury towards the end of the first half. Edwards recovered from his injury to play 34 minutes, but Randle is still the next most important player in this series for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards had 20 points (6-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, one block and two three-pointers in the Timberwolves’ 117-93 victory over the Warriors in Game 2 on Thursday.
Edwards appeared to suffer a sprained left ankle towards the end of the second quarter as the Warriors’ Trayce Jackson-Davis landed on his foot. Edwards turned the same ankle in the first round against the Lakers and appeared to re-aggravate the injury. The 23-year-old shooting guard would go on to start the second half and play a team-high 34 minutes in the Game 2 victory. Edwards will only have one full day off before the series resumes in Golden State for Game 3 on Saturday.
Warriors will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Quinten Post in Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Thursday.
No surprise here as Curry was always a long shot to make it back for Game 2 after leaving Game 1 with hamstring injury. While there has been a report that the 37-year-old point guard is expected to miss a week, there is no firm timetable for his return. The Warriors will go big with their starting lineup for Game 2 with center Quinten Post entering the lineup in Curry’s absence.