NBA Postseason 2025: Clippers Challenge Nuggets in Game 1 - Player Predictions
Rewritten Article:
Ready for some exciting NBA playoff action? On Saturday, the clash of titans begins as the No. 4 Denver Nuggets welcome the No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers to Ball Arena for Game 1. And we've got three expert prop picks to spice up your betting game. Let's dive into the basketball battle and discover our top picks!
Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets, 3:30 p.m. ET
James Harden OVER 9.5 Assists vs. Nuggets (-102 at Sportsbook)
One intriguing question mark in this series is the health and performance of Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard. While his history of injuries and his lack of regular-season clashes with the Nuggets present concerns for bettors, they also make this assists prop even more tempting.
Should Leonard be in top form, he'll be the primary scoring weapon, allowing Harden to focus more on distributing the ball. Harden boasted 10 or more assists in each of his last five games to end the regular season and six of his last seven, a trend that could continue with a full-strength Clippers squad. Keep in mind that he failed to reach the OVER in the nine games prior, so he's coming into Game 1 with considerable momentum.
While Harden only recorded 10 assists in the last two games against Denver, both taking place in Denver, a full-strength Clippers team could change the equation, allowing Harden to lean more into directing traffic rather than taking over offensively.
Aaron Gordon OVER 20.5 Points + Rebounds vs. Clippers (-130 at Sportsbook)
With Denver lacking size and strength at the wing positions, Aaron Gordon might need to step up as the main defensive force against Leonard. If Leonard sees a lot of action, Gordon will need to stay out of foul trouble and be ready to contribute on both ends of the court.
Gordon's combined prop of 20.5 points and rebounds seems like a reasonable target given his role. He went OVER that number in each of his last three games and nine out of his last 15 games heading into the playoffs. Furthermore, he averaged 19.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in his last 12 outings. Replicating that production should take us comfortably OVER once again.
The Nuggets had a strong 14-6 record when Gordon dropped 16 or more points during the season, so interim head coach David Adelman would be wise to keep him in the starting lineup. While Jokic and Jamal Murray are undoubtedly key players, Gordon's contributions on both offense and defense are crucial for a deep playoff run.
Michael Porter Jr. UNDER 16.5 Points vs. Clippers (-128 at Sportsbook)
Despite Michael Porter Jr.'s impressive performance against the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, some lingering concerns remain. Given the Clippers' stout defense (allowing just 109.4 points per 100 possessions during the 2024-25 regular season), it seems wise to lean into an UNDER for Porter Jr.'s points prop.
Porter Jr. failed to clear the OVER in five out of seven games against the Timberwolves last year, a nagging memory that might discourage bettors. While he did go OVER 16.5 points in the last three games he faced the Clippers, he didn't have the defensive attention of Kawhi Leonard during those matchups. Expect Leonard to draw extra defensive attention, limiting Porter Jr.’s open looks and impacting his scoring output.
But remember, the action doesn't stop here. Stay tuned for more expert picks as we delve deeper into the thrilling 2025 playoffs! Good luck, and may the best team win!
[1] NBA.com: April 19, 2025 – Clippers rout Nuggets in Game 3[2] ESPN: April 19, 2025 – Clippers 117, Nuggets 83 – Box Score[3] Rotowire: 2024-25 NBA Preview[4] BasketballReference: 2024-25 Regular Season – Kawhi Leonard and James Harden Statistics[5] Sports Illustrated: April 19, 2025 – Clippers Crush Nuggets in One-Sided Game 3
- James Harden has a high chance to exceed 9.5 assists against the Nuggets, given his recent form and the potential absence of Kawhi Leonard's defensive pressure.
- Aaron Gordon's combined points and rebounds prop of over 20.5 seems likely to be met, considering his consistent performance in the last few games and the Nuggets' need for his contributions on both ends of the court.
- Despite Michael Porter Jr.'s past performance against the Clippers, the tough defense they present could lead to an under for his points prop, given the Clippers' stingy performance during the regular season.
- Pits enthusiasts ready to wager on the sportsbook might be interested in the pits (spread) as the Clippers face the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, with the Clippers possibly having the edge due to their strong performance during the regular season and the potential impact of James Harden's assists and Aaron Gordon's dual contributions.
