Clippers vs Nuggets NBA Pick: Can Los Angeles Force A Game 7? (May 1)

• The Los Angeles Clippers look to extend the series to a seventh and final game.
• Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets look to close out the series on the road.
• These squads last played on Apr. 29, with the Nuggets claiming a 16-point victory.

One of the games on Thursday’s NBA slate features the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series. Can LA bounce back and force a Game 7 in our Clippers vs Nuggets pick?

Clippers-Nuggets Game 5 Recap

The Clippers took two of the first three games in this series but dropped Games 4 and 5. As a result, they now trail 3-2 and are one loss away from a first-round postseason exit.

Ivica Zubac was one of five starters who reached double figures. He scored a team-high 27 points, collected five rebounds, and blocked two shots.

Kawhi Leonard added 20 points, along with 11 assists, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Kris Dunn contributed 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the field.

On the other side of the matchup, Jamal Murray was in beast mode, scoring 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting from the field and an 8-for-14 effort from beyond the arc.

Aaron Gordon, who made the game-winning bucket in Game 4, poured in 23 points, connecting on seven of his 11 attempts. While Nikola Jokic posted the second-lowest scoring total of any starter, he still finished with a triple-double that included 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.

As was the case in Game 4, Denver held a 22-point advantage early in the final frame. LA used a 17-4 run to cut the deficit to nine points (116-107). However, the Nuggets responded with an 11-0 burst to regain control of the game.

Clippers vs Nuggets Pick: Who Comes Out On Top In Game 6 Of This First-Round Matchup?

Can the Clippers bounce back from their worst loss in the series, or does Denver advance to the conference semifinals? Here’s a look at a few betting trends for both sides heading into Game 6.

• The Clippers are 14-2 straight-up (SU) in their last 16 home games.
• Los Angeles is 14-6 against the spread in its previous 20 outings.
• The Nuggets are 14-6 in their last 20 matchups against Pacific Division opponents.
• Denver is 4-2 ATS in its previous six road contests.

Despite dropping back-to-back games, the Clippers enter Game 6 as a seven-point favorite, according to BetOnline. With their season on the line and having been bounced out of the first round in each of the last two seasons, look for Los Angeles to force a Game 7.