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The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Denver Nuggets in a series that oddsmakers are expecting to be one of the most competitive of the first round of the NBA playoffs.
After opening as an underdog, the Clippers are now a slight -118 favorite to win the series, making the Nuggets a +100 ‘dog.
Denver has had a wild couple of weeks after the shocking firing of long-time head coach Michael Malone, while Los Angeles may finally have a healthy Kawhi Leonard for their playoff run.
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Clippers vs. Nuggets series betting odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Clippers | -118 |
| Nuggets | +100 |
Clippers vs. Nuggets betting preview
These teams split their season series, 2-2, but there’s one major thing working in the Clippers’ favor in this series: they were without Leonard in both losses.
Since Leonard returned to full health after the All-Star break, the Clippers have been a different team.
Over that stretch, their +8.3 net rating is the fourth-best in the NBA behind only the Thunder, Celtics, and Warriors.
Since mid-March, the Clippers have only lost two games — a two-point loss to the NBA-best Thunder and a road loss to the Cavaliers with Leonard sidelined.
The Nuggets have been downright below-average over that same period, going 14-13 with a -0.2 net rating, leading to Malone’s dismissal.
Nikola Jokic’s co-star, Jamal Murray, has been banged up of late as well, missing six games with a hamstring strain before returning for the Nuggets’ final two contests.
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Clippers vs. Nuggets pick
After a half-decade of injuries and heartbreak, it may finally be the Clippers and Leonard’s time to shine.
The Play: Clippers to win the series (-118)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
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