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The LA Clippers and the Denver Nuggets will square off on Saturday night in yet another Western Conference clash with big implications in the playoff race.
The Clippers (42-37, 22-16 home) still have mathematical chances to reach the playoffs, but in all honesty their quest for a top 8 seed is virtually over, and they know it. The Clips need to win their last 3 games if they are to have a shot, and even then they would need other results to go their way. LA has now lost 3 of the last 4 games, including an ugly loss in Utah two nights ago, when they were blown out.
The Nuggets (44-35, 14-25 away) seemed to be out of the playoff picture just one week ago, but a surge of form allowed them to win 4 games in a row and get back in the race. Denver is now right there in the fight for the postseason, and another win today could see them climb into a playoff position. They will definitely come into the match confident given their excellent recent run.
Bet on Clippers vs Nuggets and claim your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: The Clippers continue to miss Bradley, Beverley, Gallinari, Evans and Teodosic. The Nuggets will only miss Harris.
The Clippers had a nice run during December – February, playing some really good basketball, and were looking like they could make the playoffs despite an injury ridden season. However, a nightmare schedule in March, along with injuries creeping back in, will have probably denied them the chance for the postseason.
The loss of Milos Teodosic a couple of weeks ago has been particularly hurtful, as the Clippers are 13-21 without him in the lineup (as opposed to 29-16 with him!), having no other real playmaker on the team. His absence is a really big deal, despite the fact that the bookies and the general public don`t give it much weight. That creates some interesting value in the odds.
The Clippers shouldn`t be expected to roll over and die, as they still have a theoretical shot at the postseason, but everybody knows that a miracle is needed. Morale is low and if things don`t go their way in the game, the Clips could well throw the towel.
The Nuggets are playing really well lately, winning big games, and they will be fired up and confident coming into this match. They are definitely playing better basketball than the Clippers right now and will hope to capitalize on that. A win would be absolutely huge and they will be desperate for it.
It has to be said that the Nuggets are a team which is usually much better at home than away, so that is a factor to be considered, but recently they played great on the road. In the last 4 away games they beat the Thunder, the Wizards and the Bulls, with the only loss coming by just 4 points in Toronto.
The Clippers won the two previous H2H meetings this season, but both were very close, with LA coming from behind to steal those games.
I reckon the Nuggets are the real favorites here, right now they are the better team and are playing with top intensity and motivation. As per my analysis, backing them to win here definitely makes sense. My tip is a Denver win and I wouldn`t be shocked if odds on this bet drop a bit. Prediction: LA Clippers – Denver Nuggets 109 – 117.
Pick: Nuggets
Odds: 2.00 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8
Event date: 7 April
