The Los Angeles Clippers (14-11) and Denver Nuggets (12-10) face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Nuggets are 5.5-point favorites over the Clippers on the spread (Nuggets -5.5), with the over/under set at 227 total points. Denver is a -225 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +185 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks for Friday, December 13.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Picks, Prediction
Spread
I'm backing the Clippers to cover the spread against the Nuggets tonight.
Moneyline
I'm not going to play the moneyline in this matchup.
Over/Under
I don't see any betting value on the Clippers vs. Nuggets over/under.
My Pick: Clippers +6 (-115)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds, Point Spread, Total, Lines
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 227 -110 / -110 | +185 |
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 227 -110 / -110 | -225 |
- Clippers vs. Nuggets spread: Nuggets -5.5
- Clippers vs. Nuggets over/under: 227 points
- Clippers vs. Nuggets moneyline: Clippers +185, Nuggets -225
- Clippers vs. Nuggets best bet: Clippers +6 (-115)
Clippers vs. Nuggets NBA Friday
The Nuggets return home tonight after playing five of their past six games on the road. The Nuggets went 3-3 over that stretch, with one of those games being a 126-122 loss to the Clippers. James Harden was a standout in that game with 39 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. He is averaging 31 points, 7.5 rebounds and 13.5 assists in two games against the Nuggets this season.
Both teams enter tonight's matchup well-rested after a break due to the NBA Cup. For the Nuggets, both Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are listed as probable. However, they may still be without Jamal Murray, who is questionable with right hamstring inflammation. Meanwhile, the Clippers will be without a pair of their top defenders — Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann.
Speaking of injuries, the Clippers have gotten good news of late with Kawhi Leonard's return to practice and impending return. Without him, they have continued to surprise as they hold the sixth seed in the tough Western Conference and are a half game ahead of the Nuggets.
In addition to Harden, Norman Powell has stepped up against the Nuggets, scoring 37 and 28 points in the two meetings. In those games, he has shot 12-for-19 from beyond the arc. Powell is the Clippers leading scorer at 23.6 points per game and is shooting 49% from the field.
However, a third straight victory against the Nuggets will be not an easy task with Nikola Jokic on the other side. Jokic is the favorite to win his fourth MVP as he is averaging 32.3 points, 13.6 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. He is also averaging 34.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists against the Clippers this season and has scored 104 points in his past two games.
Clippers vs. Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets have won six of their past 10 meetings against the Clippers. However, the Clippers' four wins have come in the past four meetings. Both of their wins this season have come as underdogs — by 7.5 points in Denver and 2.5 points in Los Angeles. The Clippers' winning streak in the series may not extend to five, but I do like their chances of keeping this game close.
The Clippers are 15-9-1 against the spread this season while the Nuggets are just 8-13-1 ATS. Additionally, the Clippers are the better defensive team as they rank sixth in defensive rating. The Nuggets are 15th and don't play as hard on a nightly basis.
Given 6.5 points, I have to back the underdog here.
Meanwhile, Harden, Powell and Jokic are three players I expect to shine tonight. Harden has recorded 35 points, rebounds and assists in six of his past 10 games and in both games against the Nuggets this season. Powell has recorded 20 points in six of his past 10 games and in both games against the Nuggets. Jokic has recorded 50 PRA in eight of his past 10 games and in five of his past six games against the Clippers.
Best Bet: Clippers +6 (-115)
Clippers vs. Nuggets Parlay Picks
- James Harden 35+ Points, Rebounds, & Assists
- Norman Powell 20+ Points
- Nikola Jokic 50+ Points, Rebounds, & Assists
Parlay Payout: +250
