The Los Angeles Clippers had perhaps their biggest win of the season just over a week ago, rallying from a huge second half deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets. The clubs square off again on Wednesday, this time in the Mile High City. If the previous two games are any indication we could be in for a close one. The teams split the first two meetings, both in LA, with the games decided by a total of five points. The Clips are trying to keep their heads above water while Paul George remains sidelined. They lost two straight after beating the Nuggets and are just 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS in 12 games since George was shelved with an injury.
The contest between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, from Ball Arena in Denver, CO and will air live on ESPN. BookMaker.eu will have odds for every game on the Wednesday NBA schedule.
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Odds Analysis
The Clippers knew they’d be without Kawhi Leonard for the season after he sustained a knee injury in last season’s playoffs. There’s a slim chance he can return, most likely in the postseason if the Clips get that far. At least they had George to rely on for scoring and to prop up the roster. That’s always a risk though since PG13 has been injury-prone. Well, the injury bug struck again and the Clippers were hit with news on Christmas Day that George would miss time with an elbow injury. Without Leonard and George sidelined since before the start of the year, the Clips are trying to stay afloat in the Western Conference. Coming back from a 25-point deficit to beat the Nuggets last week was impressive and their second straight victory. They couldn’t sustain any momentum, though, and lost their next two, both on the road. They’ll be facing the Nuggets in Denver for the first time with a road record of 7-11 SU and 8-10 ATS. Overall the Clips are currently 21-23 SU and 19-25 ATS.
Maybe the Nuggets learned a hard lesson from their loss to the Clips last week. Blowing a 25-point second-half lead is somewhat embarrassing after all. So, how do you get over that? Well, how about blowing out your next two opponents. Denver made sure the same thing wouldn’t happen by beating Portland 140-108 and the Lakers 133-96. A little home cooking is always nice, and a lot of Nikola Jokic makes things easier. Jokic had 21 points and 13 rebounds in the Clippers loss and followed that with 20 points in 28 minutes against the Blazers. He recorded a triple-double in the Lakers game with 17 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds while sitting out the final 14 minutes. The Nuggets improved to 22-19 SU and 18-23 ATS.
Los Angeles Clippers
COVID has done a number on every team, some feeling the effects more than others. The Clips not only have players missing time with the virus, they also have injuries upsetting the roster. You can’t take Leonard and George out of the lineup and not expect to have some problems. The hope is that PG13 is healthy enough to return later this month. In the meantime Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum made their way back bringing some relief.
Still it’s an uphill climb for the Clips, who are looking to remain in the playoff race. They have received strong play from Reggie Jackson and Amir Coffey, but I’m not sure that’s enough to keep them on the plus side of this matchup with little defensive help to slow down Jokic.
Denver Nuggets
As long as the Joker stays healthy and on the floor you have to like Denver’s chances. The reigning NBA MVP has done his part leading the Nuggets in scoring 25.3, rebounding 13.9and assists 7.2as he goes for the teams triple crown ... again. A balanced attack led Denver to a pair of blowout wins. All five starters scored in double figures against the Lakers and six players had at least 16 points in the win over Portland.
Denver’s heating up at home, too. They extended their home winning streak to three by outscoring Sacramento, Portland and the Lakers by an average of over 26 points. The OVER is 7-2 in Denver’s last nine home games.
NBA Odds Pick
Jokic felt the Nuggets let up when they surrendered a 25-point lead in a loss to the Clips last week. While that may have been the case I doubt he and his mates will soon forget how that happened. LA doesn’t have an answer for the MVP and even if Jokic has a tough time shooting the ball he’s the best passing big man in the game. I don’t expect the Nuggets to let this winnable game slip through their hands.
NBA Odds Prediction: Nuggets 108, Clippers 98
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