Game 5 Preview: Clippers vs Nuggets – Odds, Player Props, Injuries, and Predictions

• The LA Clippers visit the Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night in Denver
• For the first time in the series, the road team is favored in LAC/DEN Game 5
• See the Clippers vs Nuggets odds, predictions, and player-prop picks on April 29

The best series of the first round of the NBA playoff bracket resumes tonight as the LA Clippers (50-32, 20-21 away, ATS) visit the Denver Nuggets (50-32, 26-15 home, ATS) at Ball Arena in Denver with the best-of-seven knotted at two games apiece.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:10 pm MT/10:10 pm ET and, for the first time in five games, the road team is a slight favorite to win in Tuesday night’s NBA odds.

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Odds for Game 5

LAC is currently laying 1.5 points and is a -127 favorite on the moneyline (a 55.95% implied win probability). The Nuggets come back as +105 home underdogs (a 48.78% implied win probability). The game total is sitting at 208.5, which is by far the lowest of the series so far.

Odds as of April 29 at BetMGM. Lock in the BetMGM bonus code to wager on LAC/DEN Game 5.

The Nuggets evened the series with a 101-99 win on Sunday night as 6.5-point road underdogs. Nikola Jokic (29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG) had a game-high 36 points and monstrous 21 rebounds in the victory while all five Denver starters scored at least 13 points and logged at least 42 minutes. (Denver’s bench contributed just four total points in 24 minutes.)

Kawhi Leonard (21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.1 APG) had a team-high 24 for LAC while Norman Powell (21.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG) added 22.

Nuggets vs Clippers ATS & Over/Under Trends

Only one game of the series so far came anywhere near the total: Game 1 finished 2.5 points shy of its 224.5 total. The O/Us have been steadily declining since, reaching the new low of 208.0 in Tuesday’s Game 5. The last three games in the series have all stayed at least ten points under the total.

Game 4 was the first time Denver covered the spread in the series, winning straight-up as 6.5-point road underdogs, which was also the biggest spread either team had faced in the best-of-seven.

DEN vs LAC Injury Reports

Injuries were part of the reason why the Nugget starters had to log such heavy minutes in Game 4. Denver was missing Russell Westbrook due to a foot injury. The 36-year-old veteran is averaging 10.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.7 APG in the series despite playing just nine minutes in Game 3, when he suffered the foot injury that kept him out of Game 4.

Westbrook is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game.

The only other player of note on either injury report is Denver’s Michael Porter Jr, who is probable with a shoulder issue. Porter has 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 42 minutes in Game 4.

LAC vs DEN Player Props

NBA player props from DraftKings on April 29.

As he has each game this series, Jokic leads the point, rebound, and assist totals, sitting at 28.5, 12.5, and 9.5, respectively. Leonard has the highest total on the LAC side at 25.5 while James Harden (22.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.7 APG) and Jamal Murray (21.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.0 APG) are both at 20.5.

In the postseason, Jokic’s scoring average is down slightly (from 29.6 to 28.5 PPG) but his rebound total is up (from 12.7 to 13.5 RPG) as is his assist total (from 10.2 to 10.8 APG). He leads the series in all three statistical categories and is the only player averaging over two steals per game (2.3 SPG).

Clippers vs Nuggets Prediction & Picks

• Nuggets moneyline (+112) at FanDuel
• Jokic over 28.5 points (-120) at bet365

I understand the rationale: the Clippers are deeper and proven-postseason performer Kawhi Leonard has turned back the clock on his oft-injured 33-year-old frame. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are now deep into a playoff series in which they’re riding their starters hard. There’s only been one day off since Denver’s hard-fought Game 4 win, which – as mentioned – saw all starters play at least 42 minutes.

But I still can’t get away from the Nuggets as a plus-money home underdog when the best player in the world is playing at the height of his powers. The Nuggets are 15-5 straight-up at Ball Arena in their last 20 home playoff games dating back to their championship run in 2023.

The Nugget personnel will obviously be more accustomed to playing in rarified Denver air, and it’s not like Clippers coach Ty Lue is going terribly deep into his bench either. Denver has seven players averaging 14.3 MPG in the series, while LA has eight. LAC’s three biggest contributors – Leonard, Harden, and Zubac – are all averaging at least 38.5 MPG, while Norm Powell is averaging 33.8, and he, Leonard, and Harden are all on the wrong side of 30.

The highly anticipated Game 5 between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets is set to take place tonight, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have shown incredible skill and determination throughout the series, making this matchup one that is not to be missed.

As we head into Game 5, let’s take a look at the odds, player props, injuries, and predictions for this crucial game.

Odds:
According to sportsbooks, the Clippers are currently favored to win Game 5. The odds are in their favor, but the Nuggets have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with. It will be interesting to see if the Clippers can maintain their momentum and secure a victory, or if the Nuggets will come out on top once again.

Player Props:
Keep an eye on key players such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for the Clippers, as well as Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets. These players have been instrumental in their respective team’s success throughout the series, and will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Game 5.

Injuries:
Injuries can always play a factor in determining the outcome of a game, and both teams have had their fair share of setbacks. The Clippers will be without the services of Patrick Beverley, who is dealing with a calf injury. On the other hand, the Nuggets have been relatively healthy, with no major injuries to report heading into Game 5.

Predictions:
It’s difficult to predict the outcome of Game 5, as both teams have shown that they are capable of pulling off impressive victories. The Clippers have the advantage in terms of odds, but the Nuggets have proven that they are not to be underestimated. It could go either way, but one thing is for certain – this will be a thrilling and intense matchup that fans won’t want to miss.

In conclusion, Game 5 between the Clippers and Nuggets is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested battle. With both teams fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the next round of the playoffs, it’s sure to be a game filled with drama and excitement. Be sure to tune in tonight to see which team comes out on top in this pivotal matchup.