NBA Playoffs Game 5 Preview: Clippers vs Nuggets Forecast, Betting Lines: Predicted Matchup
Questionable Bet: Clippers vs Nuggets Showdown in Game 5
The L.A. Clippers (2-2) and Denver Nuggets (2-2) face-off once more in Game 5 of their first-round NBA Playoff series. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, broadcasting live on TNT. With the Nuggets' home turf at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, the Clips are favored by 2 points, and the over/under is set at 209.5 total points. Let's delve into this gritty series and offer our Clippers vs. Nuggets predictions for this contest.
Takedown: The Wager I'm Taking
My wager for the Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 5 best bet is on the Under at 209.5 total points. With a top-tier selection available at BetMGM, it's time to pounce on this juicy line. But, as always, make sure to probe for the best line using our dynamic NBA odds page!
Showdown: Clippers vs Nuggets Match-Ups
| Clippers Odds || --- || Spread | Total | Moneyline || -2 | 209.5 | -130 |
Spread
| Nuggets Odds || --- || Spread | Total | Moneyline || +2 | 209.5 | +110 |
Total
BetMGM offers Clippers vs. Nuggets spread: Clippers -2 and the Clippers vs. Nuggets over/under: 209.5 total points. Of course, the Clippers vs. Nuggets moneyline: Clippers -130, Nuggets +110.
Moneyline
Brawlbreakdown: Game Preview
A tussle near half-court erupted during the previous face-off, resulting in six technical fouls—two each to Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. These teams just can't seem to coexist peacefully, as this series has been a fiercely competitive and physical battle, with all but one game decided by 3 points or fewer.
-2-110
Gordon's game-winning put-back dunk as time expired gave the Nuggets a 101-99 victory[3]. In NBA Playoff history, it's the first buzzer-beating dunk. With the series now tied at 2 games apiece, all eyes are on Game 5.
209.5-110o / -110u
Jokic has been unstoppable despite facing tough opposition from Ivica Zubac. His postseason has been nothing short of impressive, averaging 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 10.8 assists in this series. Though he didn't achieve a triple-double in the previous game, Jokic had a stellar showing, tallying 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists.
-130
Zubac has disrupted the Clippers gameplan with his dominant performance, averaging 18.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in this series while shooting 64.7% from the field. If the Clippers aim to take the series lead, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will undeniably play crucial roles.
Common Denominator: Under Dogma
Even though Jokic is usually a favorite in home games, the under has hit in all four games in this series. Working in conjunction, the Nuggets and Clippers are averaging a measly 91.1 possessions per 48 minutes in this series, making it the second-slowest series of the first round matchups.
Both teams' primary ball-handlers, Jokic and Harden, thrive in slower-paced games, contributing to the series' lower scoring totals. However, they also capitalize on each possession, with Jokic having scored 25+ points in eight of his last 11 games against the Clippers[2], while Harden dropped 32 points in Game 1 when well-rested.
Bumper Bet: Parlay Shenanigans
Spread
For those of you with a more adventurous spirit, consider diving into this parlay to spice up your evening:
Total
- Kawhi Leonard to score 20+ points
- Nikola Jokic to score 25+ points
- James Harden to record over 9.5 assists
- Ivica Zubac to score 15+ points
Moneyline
This Clippers vs. Nuggets Parlay presents a tantalizing potential payout of +255.
[1] OddsShark, "Denver Nuggets Recent Trends," https://www.oddsshark.com/nba/denver-nuggets/recent-trends
2-110
[2] ESPN, "Nikola Jokic stats, game logs, biographical info, player news, pictures, videos, highlights," https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3320753/nikola-jokic
209.5-110o / -110u
[3] FiveThirtyEight, "NBA Playoffs 2025, Game 4: Clippers vs. Nuggets," https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/nba-playoffs-2025-game-4-clippers-vs-nuggets/
110
[4] ESPN, "LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Regular Season Series," https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/id/40084/denver-nuggets/la-clippers
1.Tonight, the L.A. Clippers and Denver Nuggets will face off in Game 5 of their first-round NBA Playoff series, aiming to take the series lead.2. In this contest, the Clips are favored by 2 points, as per BetMGM's Clippers vs. Nuggets spread, and the over/under is set at 209.5 total points.3. With both teams averaging a low scoring pace in this series, the under has hit in all four games so far.4. In the midst of the series' close and combative encounters, notable players like Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden look set to shape the outcome in tonight's showdown.
