Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets – NBA, September 7, 2020

The Los Angeles Clippers secured a comfortable win in Game 1, but the Denver Nuggets rallied the troops in Game 2 and deservedly tied the series to 1-1 with a 110-101 victory. Michael Malone’s team is again an underdog in this encounter, but that is not a problem for the Nuggets, who proved that they can cope with the strongest teams in the Western Conference. The tip-off is set at 9 PM ET.

These conference rivals have met on five occasions this season, and the Clippers are leading the series 3-2. Check out my Clippers vs. Nuggets betting pick for Game 3.

Following the Nuggets’ Game 2 win, the sportsbooks decided to lower the spread on the Clippers a bit, from -9 to -7.5. Still, the bookies are pretty convinced Los Angeles will take this one, and that the previous encounter was just a bad day at the office for the Clippers.

The total is set at 219, which is also lowered from 221.5 in Game 2. None of the opening two games of the series produced more than 217 points, which is the biggest reason for lowered totals.

Los Angeles entered Game 2 a bit relaxed after Denver’s catastrophic outing in Game 1. The Clippers probably underestimated the Nuggets, and that cost them a win. They didn’t even have a lead for the entire game, and that pretty much sums this game up.

Doc Rivers’ team scored 101 points, which is the lowest since the opening day of the Orlando bubble and loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when the Clippers also scored 101.

Paul George led the Clippers with 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Ivica Zubac added 15 points and nine boards, Lou Williams had 13 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard had one of the worst offensive games in the Clippers uniform. He finished the game with only 13 points but did have ten rebounds, game-high eight assists, and game-high three thefts. JaMychal Green recorded a double-double of ten points and team-high 11 boards.

An underdog story.

A look at how @MONSTATREZZ became the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year. pic.twitter.com/87M19twP5V

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) September 6, 2020

The Nuggets were emotionally and physically drained for Game 1, but they bounced back and exploded in the opening quarter of Game 2. That quarter and 44 points scored opposite the Clippers’ 25, set the tone of the game and Denver celebrated a well-deserved victory in the end. Michael Malone’s team was better from beyond the arc (15-9) and committed only 12 turnovers, while the Clippers had 17.

Jamal Murray led Denver with 27 points, team-high six assists, and two steals. Nikola Jokic posted a double-double of 26 points and game-high 18 rebounds, along with four dimes, and game-high three blocks, Paul Millsap had 13 points and six boards, Gary Harris also scored 13, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed with 11 points, seven rebounds, and two thefts.

Game 2 | ?????? & ??????#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/kl8pjXcBmu

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 6, 2020

In the meantime, Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable with a wrist sprain, and in case he is not ready to feature on Monday, I am backing the Clippers to get a win and cover the spread. Jokic is the best center in the NBA, and nobody can take his place in Denver, to be honest.

I was going to back Over, but after this news, I changed my mind and now I am backing Los Angeles. Even if he plays, Malone will likely have him on a minute restriction.

Check the updates for this game, and feel free to bet on the Clippers if Joker is out.