Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 2: Predictions, picks, odds for 2025 NBA playoff series
Russell Westbrook helped the Denver Nuggets get an overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their NBA playoffs first-round series. Predictions for Game 2 suggest another close one.
Russell Westbrook delivered when it counted most to start the 2025 NBA playoffs.
His clutch 3-pointer at the end of regulation and timely steal late in overtime gave the Denver Nuggets a 1-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers heading into Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series on Monday. It was redemption for Westbrook, at least temporarily, since he was facing the team he played for last season, and his play and presence during crunch time had become an issue for the Nuggets down the stretch of the regular season.
It sets up a pivotal rematch in Denver before the series moves to Los Angeles. The Clippers will try to recover after committing 20 turnovers in Saturday's series opener, including seven by Kawhi Leonard. But they still nearly beat the Nuggets behind James Harden (32 points, 11 assists). Denver, though, got a combined 75 points, 27 rebounds and 20 assists in Game 1 from the battle-tested trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
The oddsmakers expect Game 2 on Monday to be close again and experts are weighing in on who wins now that this 2025 NBA playoffs series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers is underway. Here's a look at some picks and predictions for Game 2, as well as the current odds:
Nuggets vs. Clippers predictions: Game 2 picks for NBA playoffs first round
Sports Illustrated: Clippers take Game 2
Peter Dewey writes, "While Leonard (seven turnovers in Game 1) made some key mistakes late on Saturday, Denver struggled mightily guarding James Harden in the pick-and-roll and needed yet another massive Nikola Jokic game to win in overtime. At some point, Denver’s lack of depth is going to catch up with it."
Sporting News: Nuggets 112, Clippers 107
"The Clippers committed 25 fouls on Saturday, and Denver turned them over 20 times. As long as the Nuggets dictate the pace and keep LA's offense from establishing a rhythm and eventually catching fire, the Nuggets will prevail at home — even if the three-point shot isn't falling. If the 3-balls start dropping with frequency, we might see a blowout."
Covers.com: Nuggets win again
"Homecourt advantage matters more in Denver than in most NBA cities, and Nikola Jokic is always capable of winning a game singlehandedly. Thus, Denver takes a 2-0 advantage before action shifts to California."
Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 2 odds
The Los Angeles Clippers are slight favorites over the Denver Nuggets heading into Game 2 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series, according to BetMGM
BetMGM odds as of 11 a.m. ET on Monday, April 21
- Spread: Clippers (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Clippers (-118); Nuggets (-102)
- Over/under: 218.5
Nuggets vs. Clippers series odds update
The Denver Nuggets are now the favorite to win their Western Conference first-round series over the Los Angeles Clippers after winning Game 1 in overtime. The Clippers were the series favorite before the 2025 NBA playoffs began.
- Series winner: Nuggets (-150); Clippers (+125)
Nuggets vs. Clippers: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming
The Western Conference first-round series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers moves onto Game 2 on Monday, April 21 in Denver. ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are all scheduled to broadcast games during the series, which could last as long as two weeks with a potential Game 7 slated for Saturday, May 3. The Nuggets lead the series, 1-0.
Here's the updated schedule for Nuggets vs. Clippers. All times listed are Eastern.
- Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
- Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets | Monday, April 21 | 10 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
- Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, April 24 | 10 p.m. | NBA TV
- Game 4: Nuggets at Clippers | Saturday, April 26 | 6 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
- Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD*
- Game 6: Nuggets at Clippers | Thursday, May 1, TBD | TBD*
- Game 7: Clippers at Nuggets | Saturday, May 3, TBD | TBD*
*if necessary
Watch Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 2 with Sling TV