With the number one seed and the MVP trophy on the line, the Denver Nuggets and their leader Nikola Jokic look to add to their current 2-game win streak as they visit the LA Clippers. This match-up has been a one-sided affair for the most part over the years, with Denver winning 8 of the last 9 meetings. They’re the more in-form team here, going 16-4 SU in their last 20 games and 7-1 SU in t heir last 8 on the road. It wasn’t the most convincing of wins, but in their last game they got one over San Antonio 110-105, as Jamal Murray took the night off. Jokic exploded for 42 points and 16 rebounds, he’s averaging 27 points, 15.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 2 meetings with the Clippers this year. So even if Murray doesn’t recover in time from his ankle injury, I think the Nuggets are in safe hands here.
The Clippers have been one of the more disappointing teams post All-Star break with a 8-7 SU record over their last 15 games and a Net Rating of -1.2 points. Some will say that’s because of injuries, but one thing is clear – this is not the same team everyone thought could battle for the championship before the break. LA is only 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs Western Conference opponents. They’ve failed to cover in 5 straight home games, but more importantly their best player Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for tonight’s game with a knee injury. When Leonard doesn’t play they’re 3-4 SU this season, their last 2 such games ended in defeats to Sacramento and the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s not all bad news for head coach Ty Lue though, Russell Westbrook just returned and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat despite sitting out for almost a month.
