Not that long ago the Los Angeles Clippers were favorite with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. But with the trade of former top draft pick Blake Griffin times have changed. In fact, the Clippers are on the outside looking in for the last playoff spot in the West. Hampering LA is an undetermined defense that takes too many possessions off. Denver is one of the top offensive teams in the NBA. They’ll be looking to take full advantage of that subpar Clipper unit. The Clippers host the Nuggets on Saturday. The loser will face devastating playoff consequences.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Date and Time: Saturday, April 7, 2018, 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Nuggets vs. Clippers TV Coverage: NBA TV
Clippers
The Clippers may not be a NBA Finals Betting Odds pick but are good offensively. LA ranks eighth in the NBA for scoring. Offsetting that is a defense that ranks 22nd In the Association. The Clippers have covered four of their last six games. Five of their last seven have gone under the total. Trading Griffin was a major move. Originally it was felt as if his time had passed in LA. Perhaps in retrospect the Clippers should have rode it out with him. Head coach Doc Rivers has failed to find a consistent answer this season.
Nuggets
Denver has been fading down the stretch with four payouts in their last ten games. Under the total has paid in six of their last eight games. They have paid in just 16 of 39 road games this season. Similar to LA the Nuggets strength is scoring. Offensively they rank sixth in the NBA. Defensively they give that back with a league rank of 24th. As a team that lacks identity Denver is a surprise contender. Coach Michael Malone deserves credit for maximizing what he has.
Team vs. Team
The Clippers have the recent sportsbook online edge in their series with Denver. Give of the last eight between these teams have gone under the number. LA has paid in four straight home games against the Nuggets. Six of the last seven in this series at Staples Center have gone under the number.
Important Names on Court
Lou Williams is the trigger man for the Clippers. He leads LA with 23 points and five assists per game. DeAndre Jordan is one of the most dominant rebounders in basketball. Jordan is powering the Clippers with 15 rebounds per tilt. Nikola Jokic leads Denver with 18 points, six assists, and 11 rebounds per outing.
Matchup to Watch
The Clippers days as a NBA Finals Betting Odds favorite are over. In retrospect the Griffin trade was a big white flag. Despite that LA is still a capable team. Their season has been a disappointment. But their home dominance over Denver is not. Neither team here plays much defense. Home court is the ultimate difference and edge for LA. Road betting value has not been a strength of the Nuggets. They are at a disadvantage in this matchup.
Nuggets vs. Clippers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
With full ownership of Denver at home the Clippers are the call!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Los Angeles Clippers
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Clippers 113, Nuggets 101