Check Nuggets vs. Clippers prediction for game 1 of the NBA playoffs. The 2025 NBA Playoffs tip off with a marquee Western Conference clash as the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets host the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) from Ball Arena in Denver.
This series has the makings of a heavyweight battle, with star power on both sides and plenty of playoff drama in the air. Will reigning champs Denver protect their home floor, or can Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers strike first?
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📺 Where To Watch Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 1? (April 19, 2025)
| Detail | Info |
| 📅 Date | Saturday, April 19, 2025 |
| 🕒 Time | 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT |
| 📍 Venue | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| 📺 TV | ESPN (also on Fubo streaming) |
📊 Betting Odds
| Market | Nuggets | Clippers |
| Spread | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -145 | +118 |
| Over/Under | 225.5 (O/U -110) |
🏀 Clippers vs. Nuggets – 2024–25 Regular Season Matchups
| Game # | Date | Matchup | Score | Result | Streak | All-Time Record (LAC–DEN) |
| 197 | Jan 8, 2025 | Clippers @ Nuggets | 103 – 126 | Nuggets W | Nuggets won 2 | 87 – 110 |
| 196 | Dec 13, 2024 | Clippers @ Nuggets | 98 – 120 | Nuggets W | Nuggets won 1 | 87 – 109 |
| 195 | Dec 1, 2024 | Clippers vs. Nuggets | 126 – 122 | Clippers W | Clippers won 4 | 87 – 108 |
| 194 | Oct 26, 2024 | Clippers @ Nuggets | 109 – 104 | Clippers W | Clippers won 3 | 86 – 108 |
🔍 Game 1 Storylines
- Denver’s Edge at Home: The Nuggets come in as slim favorites (-2.5), but their 60.9% win probability (via ESPN analytics) reflects how tight this matchup is expected to be. Denver’s playoff-tested core—led by Nikola Jokić—is hungry to defend its 2023 championship pedigree.
- Clippers Riding Kawhi’s Hot Hand: Kawhi Leonard is peaking at the right time. He’s averaged 26.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in April while shooting 53.8% from the field and 50% from deep. If he stays healthy, he’s a matchup nightmare.
- Zubac’s Jokic Problem-Solving?: Ivica Zubac has quietly become a thorn in Jokić’s side. In their regular-season meetings, he held the Joker to 4-for-16 shooting (25%) in 30 minutes. Can he replicate that success in a playoff environment?
- Supporting Cast Questions: The Clippers roll in with a strong trio in Kawhi, James Harden, and Norman Powell, while Denver counters with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the reigning Finals MVP. This could come down to which second unit shows up.
📈 Betting Trends & Series Outlook
- Series Price: Clippers -125 | Nuggets +105
- Game 1 Total Movement: Opened at 224.5, up to 225.5 by Friday.
- Series Prediction (Public): Clippers in 7 games.
- Game 1 Prediction (Simulations): Clippers 116.4, Nuggets 115.4
💡 Note: Los Angeles opened as the series favorite, suggesting bettors believe in the upside of a healthy Clippers roster.
🎯 Player Prop Bets
Denver Nuggets
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3-Pointers Made |
| Nikola Jokic | 27.5 | – | – | 1.5 (-140) |
| Jamal Murray | 18.5 | – | – | – |
| Michael Porter Jr. | 15.5 | – | – | 2.5 (+125) |
| Aaron Gordon | 15.5 | – | – | – |
| Christian Braun | 13.5 | – | – | – |
Los Angeles Clippers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3-Pointers Made |
| Kawhi Leonard | – | – | 3.5 (+120) | – |
🔮 ClutchBuzz Nuggets vs. Clippers Prediction Game 1
This series could easily go the distance, but for Game 1, momentum leans slightly toward Denver at home. However, if Zubac can neutralize Jokić again and Kawhi keeps his rhythm, the Clippers are dangerous dogs.
🧠 Final Score Prediction: Clippers 114, Nuggets 112
💰 Best Bet: Clippers +2.5
🔥 Lean: Over 225.5
🎯 ClutchBuzz Parlay of the Game (Game 1)
- ✅ Clippers +2.5
- ✅ Kawhi Leonard 25+ points
- ✅ Jokić Under 25.5 points
💵 Odds: +460
