Clippers vs. Nuggets: NBA odds, Picks and Predictions
Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds
| Clippers Odds | +6 |
| Nuggets Odds | -6 |
| Over/Under | 229 |
| Date | Thu, Jan. 5 |
| Time | 10:00 p.m. |
| TV | TNT |
The nightcap of TNT’s NBA double-header on Thursday will feature the Los Angeles Clippers against the Denver Nuggets. Entering play, the Clippers have lost three consecutive games to the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat. The Nuggets are 10-3 since December 8. Ahead of tip-off this evening, oddsmakers have Denver priced as 6-point home favorites on the spread.
Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George listed as questionable
On the official injury report for tonight’s contest, Paul George is listed as questionable with right hamstring soreness. Per Cleaning the Glass, Los Angeles ranks in the 64th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 78th percentile in defensive efficiency with George on the floor this season. When George is on the sidelines, they regress to the 4th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 75th percentile in defensive efficiency. His absence would likely make it difficult for this group to put the ball in the basket on Thursday.
Who benefits if George is ruled out?
Per CourtIQ, Norman Powell sees the largest increase in usage of any player on the roster when George is not on the floor. In such situations, Powell is averaging 26.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per 36 minutes of action. In his last five games with George not in uniform, Powell has scored 32 points, 19 points, 11 points, 17 points, and 30 points, respectively.
Denver Nuggets
Home cooking for Denver
On the season, Denver is 14-3 in their home building, holding the second-highest home winning percentage of any team in the league. In those 17 games, the Nuggets have outscored their opponents by 9.2 points per 100 possessions and rank in the top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Their dominance in the altitude has been led by their leading-scorer Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 26.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists in home games during the first half of the campaign.
Jamal Murray active
Jamal Murray will suit-up for this contest, which is good news for Nuggets’ fans. Per Cleaning the Glass, Denver ranks in the 95th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 51st percentile in defensive efficiency when Murray is on the floor this year, compared to the 62nd percentile in offensive efficiency and the 12th percentile in defensive efficiency when he is on the bench. His presence is a welcome sign on both ends of the floor for this group as they look to take over sole possession of the top seed in the Western Conference by the end of the night.
Clippers vs. Nuggets – Picks & Predictions
Prior to confirming the status of Paul George, it is difficult for bettors to find a large wager worth locking-in at the sportsbook. However, the one thing that remains constant regardless of George’s status is the fact that Los Angeles is a strong defensive team. Though the Clippers’ offensive efficiency plummets without George on the floor, their fundamental team defense is likely to manifest itself on national television. Consequently, bettors should feel comfortable purchasing a small ticket on the under for Denver’s team total in this spot.
PICK: Nuggets Team Total u117.5 points (-110, MGM)
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