May 1, 2025 | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA | 10:00 PM
This first playoff matchup between the Denver Nuggets (3-2) and the Los Angeles Clippers (2-3) has been quite the ride. Following Denver’s impressive 131-115 victory in Game 5, the Clippers are now on the brink of elimination at their own court. The Nuggets, who wrapped up the regular season with a 50-32 record, have two opportunities to move forward, while the equally matched Clippers (50-32) need a win to push for a Game 7.
Series Timeline
Game 1: Denver clinched a thrilling overtime win (112-110), thanks to Aaron Gordon’s key performance.
Game 2: The Clippers tied up the series (105-102) thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s incredible 39-point performance.
Game 3: LA crushed it with a 117-83 win, featuring Ivica Zubac’s impressive 21-point performance.
Game 4: Gordon’s last-second shot put Denver ahead 101-99, changing the game’s flow.
Game 5: Jamal Murray dropped 43 points, leading the Nuggets to a solid 131-115 victory.
Denver’s Game Plan
Jamal Murray’s Ascendance: Murray dropped 43 points in Game 5, hitting eight threes and taking advantage of LA’s defensive mistakes. His connection with Nikola Jokic, who had a triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists), is still the key to Denver’s offense.
Bench Firepower: Russell Westbrook came back from injury with 21 points, bringing a boost to Denver’s bench. His fast breaks and strong defense threw off LA’s flow.
Defensive Adjustments: Denver’s heavy reliance on switches kept Kawhi Leonard to just eight points in Game 5, but his ability to create plays with 11 assists still requires a lot of focus.
Clippers’ Counterattacks
Kawhi Leonard’s Playmaking Pivot: Leonard’s 11 assists in Game 5 mark a change as he steps into a playmaker role. Look for isolation plays to create mismatches and get shooters like Norman Powell open.
Ivica Zubac’s Interior Dominance: Zubac dropped 27 points in Game 5, proving he can take advantage of Denver’s small-ball setups. Getting him the ball early might force Jokic or Aaron Gordon into foul trouble.
Three-Point Reliance: LA hit 18 threes in Game 3, which was impressive, but their inconsistency (14.3% in the first quarter of Game 5) is still a worry. James Harden and Powell need to step up their long-range shooting.
Star Power Spotlight
Jamal Murray: When he’s on fire, Murray’s pull-up threes and mid-range shots are almost impossible to defend against, making him the Nuggets’ key offensive player.
Nikola Jokic: The two-time MVP’s incredible passing skills and ability to score in various ways make him the ultimate game-changer for Denver.
Kawhi Leonard: Leonard’s amazing performance with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 5 keeps LA’s dreams alive.
Ivica Zubac: Zubac’s ability to protect the rim and score efficiently (27 points in Game 5) is key when facing Denver’s small-ball lineup.
Critical X-Factors
Pace and Transition: In Game 5, Denver dropped 67 points in the first half, highlighting LA’s slow transition defense. Jokic’s fast outlet passes and Murray’s movement without the ball are going to challenge the Clippers’ focus.
Perimeter Defense: Norman Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. need to keep Murray’s three-point shooting in check without getting into foul trouble.
Coaching Chess Match
Tyronn Lue’s daring lineup changes (sitting starters early in Game 5) go head-to-head with Denver’s intense small-ball strategy led by assistant David Adelman.
Betting Landscape
Spread: Clippers -7
Over/Under: 213.5
Series Odds: Nuggets -200 | Clippers +165
Trends: LA covers 80% as home favorites; Denver thrives as road underdogs (7-3 ATS).
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Prediction: Clippers 114, Nuggets 110
LA avoids being knocked out thanks to Leonard’s all-around brilliance (28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Zubac’s strong play inside (over 20 points). Murray scores 30 for Denver, keeping it tight, but LA’s hot three-point shooting (15+ makes) and the crowd’s energy give them the edge.