The Los Angeles Clippers (22-21) will try to extend their five-game winning streak against the Denver Nuggets (23-21) at Staples Center. The game will air on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
The Nuggets will be hoping for a similar outcome after just getting past the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, 105-102. Denver had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 26.5). Dallas, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (18-22; 81.8 percent). With 29 points on 11-for-23 shooting, Nikola Jokic was the top scorer from either team.
In the Clippers’ last game, they were victorious over the Houston Rockets, 113-102. Los Angeles’ free throw rate was their largest advantage over Houston. The Clippers had a rate of 0.190 (below their season average of 0.224), while the Rockets posted a mark of 0.138 (below their season average of 0.239). With 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Blake Griffin played well for Los Angeles.
A focal point for the Los Angeles offense is getting to the free throw line. The Clippers rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.223), but Denver is among the best in the NBA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking fourth by yielding a FTA rate of 0.168). Also, the Nuggets, who rank second in offensive rebounding percentage (26.7 percent), will battle against the Clippers, who rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent).
Denver comes into the game with records of 23-21 straight up (SU) and 20-21-2 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Nuggets tend to go under the projected point total (58.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 22-21 SU and 24-18-1 ATS. Unlike Denver, Clippers games tend to finish over the O/U total (55.8 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jokic (15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.4 steals) has been great for the Nuggets while Lou Williams (32.6 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals) has made great contributions to the Clippers.
After the Nuggets won three out of four matchups against the Clippers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Denver won 129-114. The Nuggets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.8 vs. 9.8) and had a much better free throw rate (0.256 vs. 0.119).
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Denver is 8-13-2 ATS with 13 unders and 10 overs.
Los Angeles is 12-10 ATS at home with 13 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
Los Angeles is 10-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Denver is 12-2.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Nuggets are 18-12 and the Clippers are 20-14.
Denver averages 13.5 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks last in fast break points allowed per game (14.7).
The Nuggets average 14.9 second chance points per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Clippers rank 19th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
Los Angeles ranks fifth in points in the paint per game (48.7) while Denver ranks 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.7).
The Nuggets rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.9) while the Clippers rank 16th (43.6).
Denver ranks seventh in assists per game (23.4) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (23.7).
The Clippers average 16.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 17th in the league. The Nuggets rank 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.5).
Denver averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 13th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.4).
The Nuggets rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.2) while the Clippers rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (29.1).
Denver ranks 19th in blocks per game (4.5) while Los Angeles ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.1).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Denver is 1-3-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Nuggets have been outscored by an average of 8.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Denver has defeated opponents by an average of 0.7 points.
During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 118.6 points per game (11.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
