- What: NBA Western Conference Playoffs First Round Game 1
- When: April 19, 2025
- Who: LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
- Time: 12:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Ball Arena (Denver, CO)
The fifth-seeded LA Clippers will face the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series starting Saturday at Ball Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PST.
The two teams split their regular-season series 2-2. The Clippers wrapped up the regular season on a positive note, narrowly defeating the Golden State Warriors 124-119 in overtime on Sunday.
The win helped them secure the No. 5 seed over the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Warriors.
They managed to cover as 3.5-point road underdogs, and the game also surpassed the total (218). Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have been performing exceptionally well recently, with Leonard averaging 25.5 points on 62% true shooting over his last 20 games.
In comparison, Harden has contributed 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists per game over his last 30 outings.
On the other hand, the Nuggets finished the regular season strong, earning a convincing 126-111 victory against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. They covered as 5.5-point favorites, and the total (234.5) also hit.
This victory secured Denver’s home-court advantage in the first round, and the Nuggets head into the playoffs on a three-game winning streak.
Nikola Jokic has been remarkable throughout the year, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game—making him the first player in NBA history to rank in the top three in all three categories for a full season.
These teams have not competed against each other since January 8, and with Denver’s coach Michael Malone dismissed on April 8, fans can expect the Nuggets to appear different from how they did in their four regular-season encounters.
The Clippers have covered the spread in seven of their last ten games, while the Nuggets are 4-6 against the spread during the same stretch. The Clippers hold a 4-2 record against the spread in their last six meetings.
No team has defended Jokic as effectively as the Clippers, who have forced him into 4.7 turnovers per game—his highest against any opponent.
This success is largely attributed to center Ivica Zubac’s strength and defensive skill, combined with coach Tyronn Lue’s defensive strategy.
Best Bet: LA Clippers +2.5 Points at -110 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
