Western Powers Meet For Possible Playoff Preview
Back Denver on the Nuggets vs Clippers Spreads

The Denver Nuggets look great in their quest for a second straight NBA title. But they still have work to do for the remainder of the NBA regular season, starting with a visit against the LA Clippers. The early Nuggets vs Clippers spreads have the visitors favored by 3.5 points. The over/under for the game has been set at 221.5 points.
Denver is atop the Western Conference standings. It has the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder playing catch-up for homecourt advantage.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are battling to keep homecourt in the first round of the playoffs, with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans within striking distance.
The Clippers are just 5-5 over their last ten NBA games so they need to quickly turn things around.
Nuggets vs Clippers 
Records: Nuggets (53-23), Clippers (47-28)
Day/Time:
Location: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.
Streaming: TNT
Jokic Continues To Power Nuggets
It can be easy to take for granted the stats superstars put up. But opponents can’t afford to overlook Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets.
The two-time NBA MVP continued to add to his amazing numbers on Tuesday night, finishing with 42 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. This pushed him up the franchise’s NBA all-time scoring list, passing Carmelo Anthony for third.
But Denver is better when it’s not just Jokic scoring. Guard Jamal Murray is one of the more dynamic scorers in the backcourt when he gets going. He’s averaging 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game. His status for this one is uncertain as he’s missed the Nuggets’ last six games with knee inflammation.
Forward Aaron Gordon was the Nuggets’ next-best offensive option in Tuesday’s win over San Antonio, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. The veteran has upped his game this season and if Murray is out, he should be a good player to consider for your NBA picks and parlays.
Clippers Hoping For Some Home Cooking
Thursday night’s game will be the first home game for the Clippers since March 25 as their arena was used for the NCAA Tournament. Los Angeles is 22-13 at Crypto.com Arena this season and hopes to have additional games at the venue come the postseason.
Like the Nuggets, the Clippers have uncertainty with one of their players. Their NBA rankings would be higher if superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is not listed as “questionable” here.
Leonard (23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds) sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings with right knee soreness. But there is optimism that he’ll be good to go after he left the team’s road trip early to get treatment.
Guard Russell Westbrook had his best game since returning from a fractured hand that kept him out of 12 games. He scored 20 points to lead the Clippers against the Kings on Tuesday. Getting the former league MVP back into form will only help Los Angeles in its quest for a deep NBA playoff run.
Jokic, Nuggets Come Out On Top
As long as Denver has Jokic in its lineup, it has to be considered a favorite against almost any NBA team. The big man can dominate a game all by himself. Murray would be helpful to have. But Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. have shown the ability to move into the second-scorer role if Murray can’t go.
The Clippers just haven’t had a lot of consistency of late, so we have a hard time taking them to knock off the defending champs. When you’re doing your betting on this game, check the NBA injury reports, but go with the visiting Nuggets to win and cover the two-point spread.
We also recommend going over on the 221.5-point total.
For betting news, NBA odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.