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Nuggets vs. Clippers: Predictions, picks, odds for NBA playoff series

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets have taken a 3-2 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers heading into Game 6 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series.

Mark Giannotto   Paste BN
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The Los Angeles Clippers are about to play with their backs against the wall for the first time in front of "The Wall."

The Clippers are on the brink of elimination entering Game 6 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, and it sets up the first elimination game in the brief history of the Intuit Dome on Thursday night. The team is in its first season playing home games at owner Steve Ballmer's $2 billion arena in Inglewood, California. The arena features an uninterrupted 51-row section of seats directly behind one basket known as "The Wall" that's reserved for diehard fans.

The Nuggets have increasingly been undeterred, however, winning back-to-back games to take a 3-2 series lead over the Clippers. Denver was bolstered by Aaron Gordon's last-second dunk of a Nikola Jokic air ball to secure Game 4 in Los Angeles and Jamal Murray's 43-point explosion during Game 5 in Denver.

There will be attention focused on James Harden Thursday given his quiet performance in the Clippers' most recent loss and a bad track record in Game 6 historically. The Clippers should be full strength, with Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac alongside Harden, when they try to keep their season alive after losing two consecutive games for the first time in nearly two months.

The odds in this series have moved more than any other in this year's NBA first-round playoff bracket because of how close these two teams appear to be and many experts predict a Game 7 could be looming this weekend. Here's a look at the latest betting lines, predictions and picks ahead of Game 6 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night:

Nuggets vs. Clippers predictions: Game 6 picks for NBA playoffs first round

Sportsbook Wire: Clippers 111, Nuggets 107

"Despite falling victim to an incredible outing from Murray Tuesday, the Clippers have won 10 of their last 13 overall. ... Three of the 5 games in this series have been decided by 3 points or fewer, while the Nuggets have won the last 2 games, both as underdogs. With a larger spread than expected for what has been a relatively tight series, backing the Nuggets (+6.5) is the best play."

Sports Illustrated: Nuggets cover

"If Jokic is able to control the game with his passing like he has in Games 4 and 5, the Clippers simply aren’t going to win this game in blowout fashion."

Draftkings Network: Take the Clippers

"The Clippers have been terrific at home this season with a 31-12 record. Since the All-Star break, they are leading the NBA in NET rating when at home, while the Nuggets rank 17th in net rating when on the road ... When favored at home this season, the Clippers are 25-5 overall and 21-9 against the spread."

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Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 6 odds

The Los Angeles Clippers are favorites to even their series against the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series, according to BetMGM

BetMGM odds as of 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 1

  • Spread: Clippers (-6.5)
  • Moneyline: Clippers (-250); Nuggets (+200)
  • Over/under: 212.5

Clippers vs. Nuggets series odds update

The Denver Nuggets are now the favorite to advance in their Western Conference first-round series over the Los Angeles Clippers after winning Games 4 and 5.

Series winner: Nuggets (-200); Clippers (+165)

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 6 on Thursday, May 1 at the Intuit Dome. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and truTV and can be streamed via Sling TV and Max. The series is tied, 2-2.

Here's the updated schedule for Nuggets vs. Clippers. All times listed are Eastern.

*if necessary

Watch Nuggets-Clippers Game 6 with Sling TV

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