USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) shoots the ball during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) shoots the ball during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Watching the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets lock horns in any matchup is always an encounter not worth missing out on. After the way the Denver Nuggets kicked the Clippers out of the playoffs with their incredible comeback last season, they utterly humiliated the Clippers. And now, the two teams are just 2.5 games away from each other in the Western Conference.
While the Nuggets stand fifth with a 29-18 record, the LA Clippers are third with a 32-17 record. Who will come out on top in the intense matchup? Let’s get to predicting.
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LA Clippers injury updates and lineup prediction
The Clippers were on a six-game winning streak until the Orlando Magic ended that run. However, they had a good reason for losing that game. Four of their starters were missing from the lineup because of injuries and that might be the case in this game too.
The injury-riddled Clippers won’t have it easy against the Nuggets. Serge Ibaka, Rajon Rondo, Paul George, and Patrick Beverley will remain sidelined and Marcus Morris Sr. is probable for the game. That leaves them with Kawhi Leonard to lead the team who scored 28 points against the Orlando Magic.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) draws a foul from Orlando Magic guard Chasson Randle (25) as he drive to the basket during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The rest of the supporting cast includes Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson, who also chipped in 17 and 15 points, respectively. Nick Batum might be useful too, as a spot-up shooter.
Thus, the predicted lineup would be Kawhi Leonard, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, Ivica Zubac, and Nicolas Batum.
Denver Nuggets injury updates and lineup prediction
The Nuggets have gathered some momentum after winning three games in a row. Adding Aaron Gordon to their roster has proved to be very beneficial for them in their success. His defensive abilities have a lot to do with them gathering victories.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 30, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) corns the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Seth Curry (31) in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Nuggets had an unexpected win against one of the best teams in the East. The game ended with a 104-95 score as all three of their superstars, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray, combined for 78 points.
They also have an upper hand in the injury department. Only Monte Morris is ruled out for this game, which leaves the rest of their roster fit and intact.
With that, the predicted lineup would be Will Barton, Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon.
Game predictions
How tables have turned now. Last season, it was the Denver Nuggets who were the underdogs and now it’s the Clippers. The Clippers won’t be able to match the Nuggets’ manpower, this makes Denver the clear favorites to win this game.
