The Denver Nuggets have a tough back-to-back after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, as they host the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard on Sunday.
The Clippers have jumped into the No. 5 spot in the West with some solid play recently, but they have struggled on defense over their last 10 games, ranking 23rd in the NBA.
That could be a problem against Denver’s No. 2 offense, especially at Ball Arena where the Nuggets are 27-4 this season.
Center Ivica Zubac is listed as out for this game for the Clippers, which means Mason Plumlee will likely draw the assignment on Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets will have yet another game without forward Aaron Gordon (ribs).
Aaron Gordon is out today vs. Clippers. So is Zeke Nnaji.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) February 26, 2023
Jamal Murray (right foot inflammation), Michael Porter Jr. (left heel strain injury management) and Christian Braun (left thumb contusion/sprain) are all probable.
Here are the odds and a pick for this Western Conference battle:
Clippers vs. Nuggets odds, spread and total
Clippers vs. Nuggets prediction and pick
Even though the Nuggets are shorthanded, I can’t get past their amazing play at home this season.
Denver has a net rating of +11.9 at Ball Arena, ranking No. 1 in the league in offensive rating and No. 6 in defensive rating at home.
As good as the Clippers have been on offense as of late, they have taken a step back defensively, and they lack the size to handle Jokic down low.
Los Angeles has two double-digit losses to Denver already this season, and I’d expect the Nuggets to bounce back and make it a third at home on Sunday.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.