As “bubble” play winds down in Orlando, and the NBA’s 2019-20 regular season creeps to a finish, we see that Portland has caught and passed the Memphis Grizzlies for eighth place; Memphis is now tied with Phoenix for ninth place. Near the top of the standings, the Clippers (47-23) are in second place, 1 ½ games ahead of Denver (46-25). The two teams meet on Wednesday night in a game that could make the gap a razor-thin half-game if the Nuggets can win. Both teams come in off a loss, so which team will start their next winning streak?
Check out our basketball betting thoughts on this meeting between Western Conference contenders and odds.
NBA Game: L.A. Clippers vs Denver Nuggets (August 12)
When: Wednesday, August 13, 9:00 pm ET
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando
TV: ESPN
Radio: KLAC 570 AM Los Angeles / Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM Denver
Live Stream: fuboTV
NBA Odds: Los Angeles -4.5 | Check the Odds
Why should you bet on Denver?
Denver had a chance to beat the Lakers and move closer to the Clippers on Monday, but they fell short, losing 124-121. The Nuggets saw the Lakers run out to a six-point lead after one, and while the Nuggets drew even after three quarters, the Lakers pulled away late with 36 points in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets’ defense could not stop anyone, as LeBron James (29 points), Anthony Davis (27) and Kyle Kuzma (25) scored at will.
On Denver’s side of the stat sheet, eight players hit double figures. P.J. Dozier led the Nuggets with 18 points, but Nikola Jokic (12 points, 1 rebound) did not play up to his usual offensive standards. Michael Porter Jr (15), Monte Morris (14), Jamal Murray (14), Paul Millsap (13), Mason Plumlee (11) and Keita Bates-Diop (10) all hit double figures, but it was telling that reserve Bol Bol led the team in rebounds with five. Failing to get more rebounds was key in the loss to the Lakers, and it is not a problem that the Nuggets usually have.
Why should you put your money on the Clippers?
The Clippers are also looking to bounce back after losing to the Brooklyn Nets, 129-120, on Sunday. The game was basically over after the first quarter, as the Nets roared out to a 45-24 lead. The Clippers whittled that 21-point deficit to just four after three quarters, but they did not have gas in the tank to finish the comeback, and the Nets ended up pulling away in the fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard had a monster game for the Clippers, putting up 39 points, along with six assists and two rebounds. Ivica Zubac was all over the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds to go along with eight points. The other Clippers who scored in double figures were Lou Williams (18), Marcus Morris (15), and Terance Mann (14), but the Clippers simply could not dig themselves all the way out of that deep hole. If you like the Clippers on Wednesday night, you see them starting the game with better energy — and they have the extra day of rest as well.
Final Score and Prediction
The Clippers continue to be the most complete team as far as a championship roster is concerned. The Nuggets’ fortunes will rise and fall with the play of Nikola Jokic, and the Clippers have the personnel to contain him. I see the Clippers holding their own on the boards and then using their advantages in terms of scoring to pull away.
My final score prediction is Los Angeles 119, Denver 113.
Clippers vs Nuggets | Check the NBA Odds before the game goes off the board!
2020 NBA Standings
ATLANTIC EASTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Toronto Raptors | 51 | 19 | W-2 |
| Boston Celtics | 48 | 23 | W-4 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 42 | 29 | L-2 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 35 | 36 | W-3 |
| New York Knicks | 21 | 45 | W-1 |
CENTRAL EASTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 56 | 16 | W-1 |
| Indiana Pacers | 43 | 28 | L-1 |
| Chicago Bulls | 22 | 43 | W-1 |
| Detroit Pistons | 20 | 46 | L-5 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 19 | 46 | L-1 |
SOUTHEAST EASTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Miami Heat | 44 | 27 | W-1 |
| Orlando Magic | 32 | 40 | L-5 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 23 | 42 | W-1 |
| Washington Wizards | 24 | 47 | L-7 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 20 | 47 | L-1 |
SOUTHWEST WESTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Houston Rockets | 44 | 26 | L-1 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 43 | 31 | L-1 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 33 | 39 | L-2 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 32 | 38 | W-3 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 30 | 41 | L-2 |
NORTHWEST WESTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Denver Nuggets | 46 | 25 | L-1 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 43 | 27 | L-1 |
| Utah Jazz | 43 | 28 | L-3 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 34 | 39 | W-2 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 19 | 45 | L-3 |
PACIFIC WESTERN CONFERENCE |
|||
| Team | Win | Loss | Streak |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 52 | 18 | W-1 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 47 | 23 | L-1 |
| Phoenix Suns | 33 | 39 | W-7 |
| Sacramento Kings | 30 | 41 | W-1 |
| Golden State Warriors | 15 | 50 | L-1 |
