While the Los Angeles Clippers have essentially clinched the No. 3 seed in the West, the Denver Nuggets are aiming to close the season strong, despite their absence from the Playoffs for the first time in a decade. Coming off a quality win over Golden State, the Nuggets visit Staples Center with another upset in mind.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
When: Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Line: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Denver Nuggets
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Denver Nuggets have won three straight games, wherein two came against playoff-bound teams in Houston and Golden State. In five of their last six contests, the Brian Shaw-coached team have eclipsed the 100-point mark, and that trend should continue against LAC, who allow 100.8 PPG.
Much of Denver’s recent success is due to the emergence of Kenneth Faried, who is averaging 18.9 PPG and 10.2 RPG since the All-Star Break. The so-called “Manimal” is also shooting 55% from the field, putting to rest any trade rumors that might surround him in the off season.
The Nuggets have beaten the Clippers twice this season, and are 4-1 ATS against Los Angeles in their last five meetings. Furthermore, four of those games have gone under the line.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
After losing only twice in March, the Clippers have gone 3-2 in April, which cost them the No. 2 seed. Though Denver is down the standings, Los Angeles has had trouble against the Nuggets, going 1-4 SU in their last five encounters.
Bettors can expect this matchup to be another shootout. Doc Rivers’ team tops the NBA in scoring, putting up 107.9 PPG. Meanwhile, the Nuggets allow the third most points per game in the league: 106.3.
Those who will wager on the Clippers should have second thoughts. In his Boston tenure, Rivers rested his main guns in the final games of the regular season, which he might also do with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, or DeAndre Jordan. Last season, “Lob City” was 1-1 SU without Griffin.
LAC is 8-2 in its last 10 home games, but has been 4-6 ATS during that period.
Writer’s Prediction
The Nuggets are a team on a role with nothing to lose, while the Clippers are looking to avoid any injuries before the postseason. Wager on Denver to win straight up. Who are you going to bet on?
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