The Los Angeles Clippers are set for a Western Conference showdown against the Denver Nuggets on January 5th, 2023 at Ball Arena following a three-game losing streak. With the possibility of missing their two stars again, the Clippers are aiming to prove their worth once again in a tightly contested matchup with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
A fierce rivalry has been forged between these two teams since “the bubble”, with each one vying for an edge over the other to increase their chances of success this season. With exciting talent taking the court on both sides of the ball, plenty of entertainment is promised as these titans clash in Denver.
Will the Nuggets have an easy Thursday night?
NBA Odds/Game Lines: Clippers vs. Nuggets
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| LA Clippers | +5 (-110) | +176 | O 225.5-(-110) |
| DEN Nuggets | -5 (-110) | -210 | U 225.5 (-110) |
| Winning at the End of Every Quarter | LAC +530 | Any other result -124 | DEN +178 |
| Win Margin | |||
| LAC 1-10 (+210) | LAC +11 (+750) | DEN 1-10 (+175) | DEN +11 (+190) |
“Winning at the End of Every Quarter” is a unique type of option at Fanduel mobile sportsbook. It says that the winner needs to win every quarter for the bet to win. If neither of the team qualifies, the “Any other result” bet will be the winning bet.
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| LA Clippers | +4.5 (-110) | +160 | O 225 -(-110) |
| DEN Nuggets | -4.5 (-110) | -190 | U 225 (-110) |
Note that NBA odds are subject to changes based on news updates. More NBA betting markets, including the live betting experience, can be viewed by visiting the respective websites of Colorado online sportsbooks.
Clippers Injuries Strikes Again
With Thursday night’s matchup vs. the Denver Nuggets looming, the LA Clippers face uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard has been battling an illness while George is managing discomfort in his hamstring. While they are both set to make the road trip, their availability for Thursday evening remains an open question.
Wednesday morning’s practice saw both players on the court, but head coach Ty Lue was unable to confirm whether they would take part in full-court activities. Although there remain doubts over their participation, it is at least promising that neither has been scratched from the traveling party.
Despite Leonard’s illness specifically being of concern due to fear of contagion, his presence on the trip assuages these worries and demonstrates the confidence that he can be safely integrated back into action when ready.
Who Will Stop the Joker?
Nikola Jokic has been putting in another historic season, averaging nearly a triple-double of 25.6 points and 10.8 rebounds (2.0 offensive boards), as well as 9.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The Nuggets are pulling off in the West but stumbled in their last game over the undermanned, yet hungry wolves who pull away in the fourth period behind Anthony Edwards’ 29-point performance.
Jokic still managed to put up 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals on Monday night. Unfortunately, the Nuggets couldn’t translate the stellar production from their five starters into a win. The good news is they are back home and will face another injured team.
Denver Nuggets are having an outstanding offensive performance this season, ranking sixth in average points per game with 116.4 and second in field efficiency at 50.8%. The Nuggets’ perimeter shooting is especially noteworthy, being the most efficient in the league at 39.8%. Unfortunately, Denver ranks poorly in defensive proficiency, allowing 114.5 points per game to place 17th overall.
Opposing teams have also been able to shoot 48.6% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the three-point line with some success against Denver. The Nuggets have also been dealt a blow by recent injuries to both Jeff Green and Collin Gillespie who are now out for the remainder of the season due to a finger sprain/hand fracture and leg fracture respectively.