Best first-round NBA playoff matchups
The For The Hoops crew discuss the most exciting first-round NBA playoff series, including Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Rockets vs. Warriors.
The first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs continues on Thursday with a Western Conference Game 3 showdown between the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets and the No. 5 seed LA Clippers. The best-of-seven series is currently tied 1-1.
The Clippers rebounded after losing Game 1 in overtime to tie their series against the Nuggets with a 105-102 victory in Game 2. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 39 points, while James Harden added 18 points and seven rebounds.
Despite the loss, MVP finalist Nikola Jokic continues to perform at a high level, recording 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 2. Jokic is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and is the third player in history to average a triple-double over a regular season. Although his performance was impressive, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Clippers.
Here are the current predictions, odds and how to watch Game 3 between the Nuggets and Clippers.
Nuggets vs. Clippers predictions: Game 3 picks for NBA playoffs first round
Action Network: Clippers
Staff writes: “At this point, it should come as no surprise that these teams split the first two games or that they came down to the final moments. They have split the last 10 meetings five apiece, including going 3-3 against each other this season. However, due to the NBA Cup, this will be the just the second of seven meetings thus far at the Intuit Dome. The Clippers have won and covered each of their last three home games against the Nuggets. While tonight’s line is up -5.5, I trust the Clippers in this spot because they have the better defense and Leonard to close the game. Even if it is tight again late, a stop or two and free throws may get the Clippers a cover.”
Sportsbook Review: Clippers 108, Nuggets 103
Gabe Henderson writes: “Considering just five points have separated the winners of the first two games, it’s safe to assume it can. Furthermore, the Clippers are one of just three teams in the Western Conference to have won 30-plus games at home this season.”
Covers: Denver
Tom Oldfield writes: “The Clippers have won nine of their last 10 contests, and they’re certainly capable of grinding out another one-score win here. But the Nuggets still have enough championship DNA to take this right to the wire, especially given their steady 24-17 road record this year, and I expect a slicker performance from Denver’s big guns.”
Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 2 odds
The Los Angeles Clippers are slight favorites over the Denver Nuggets heading into Game 3 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series, according to BetMGM
BetMGM odds as of Thursday, April 24
- Spread: Clippers (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Clippers (-230); Nuggets (+195)
- Over/under: 212.5
Nuggets vs. Clippers series odds update
The Denver Nuggets are now the favorite to win their Western Conference first-round series over the Los Angeles Clippers after winning Game 1 in overtime. The Clippers were the series favorite before the 2025 NBA playoffs began.
- Series winner: Nuggets (-150); Clippers (+125)
How to watch Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 3: Time, TV, streaming info
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- TV: NBA TV
- Stream: Fubo
- Location: Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA)
Watch Nuggets vs. Clippers with a free trial of Fubo
Nuggets vs. Clippers: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming
The Western Conference first-round series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers moves onto Game 2 on Monday, April 21 in Denver. ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are all scheduled to broadcast games during the series, which could last as long as two weeks with a potential Game 7 slated for Saturday, May 3. The Nuggets lead the series, 1-0.
Here’s the updated schedule for Nuggets vs. Clippers. All times listed are Eastern.
- Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
- Game 2: Clippers 105, Nuggets 102
- Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, April 24 | 10 p.m. | NBA TV
- Game 4: Nuggets at Clippers | Saturday, April 26 | 6 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
- Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD*
- Game 6: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD*
- Game 7: Clippers at Nuggets | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD*
*if necessary
