Clippers vs Nuggets Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 4/21/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
LA CLIPPERS @ DENVER (LAC -1.5, 218.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
CLIPPERS @ NUGGETS 4/21/25
In Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series, the Los Angeles Clippers did a lot of things well, but they lost to Denver in one area.
In a 112-110 overtime loss on Saturday, Los Angeles committed 20 turnovers, including seven by Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers are optimistic going into Monday night's Game 2 in Denver, despite the turnovers.
After his team controlled the tempo and held the Nuggets to 49 points in the first half, Tyronn Lue has no plans to change his rotation.
Ivica Zubac's presence inside, James Harden's play, and Leonard's 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting were what were effective. By halftime, the Clippers had 36 paint points from their early rim attack, but they abandoned that tactic in the second half.
Those errors haven't caused them to lose faith. They are aware that a victory on Monday night would give them an advantage going home for Game 3.
Denver is also self-assured after winning despite playing a game that was a little chaotic. Russell Westbrook was crucial, but Nikola Jokic (27 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds) played a part as well. Westbrook made a crucial defensive play in the closing seconds of overtime and made a huge 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
While Michael Porter Jr. was on the bench, Westbrook played the final 13+ minutes of the game. Porter took just three shots the remainder of the game and failed to score after making a three-pointer. Because of his difficulties, interim head coach David Adelman implemented a more defensive lineup.
Porter's lack of opportunities was partly due to Los Angeles' defense. The Clippers will see more of Westbrook if their defense persists in Game 2.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
IVICA ZUBAC OVER 32.5 PRA
The only answer for Nikola Jokic is Zubac. He won’t stop the Joker, but he can counterpunch and match him. That gives the Clippers a chance. In Game 1, Zubac had 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists. Zubac has now cleared this prop in 5 of his last 6 games. He played 39 minutes in Game 1 after averaging 32 in the regular season. He cleared this prop in 52 percent of his games this season. Zubac’s PRA number opened at 31.5 and is up a point.
