LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 7: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

As expected, the 4 vs. 5 matchup in the NBA Western Conference playoffs has been the highlight of the first round. It’s been a roller-coaster ride for both sides, but neutrals will be delighted to get a seventh edition of this series.

Denver’s home advantage makes them slight favorites, as home sides have a resounding record in Game 7s. However, there’s been a recent shift there, with eight of the last 11 Game 7s being won by the road team. 

Denver were the last side to suffer that fate, losing at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves in last year’s Western Conference semis. Will they fall short again?

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets betting picks and predictions

Under 206.0 Points (-110)

Teams tighten up in the playoffs, but that is especially true for a Game 7. Four of the last five Game 7s have seen a total of 200 points or fewer, including Denver’s 98-90 loss to Minnesota last year.

The opening game finished 98-98 between these two in regulation and the series has tended to be tight ever since. Games 3 and 4 each featured exactly 200 points, so another low-scoring game is expected between the pair. 

Jamal Murray 30+ points (+425)

Jamal Murray led the charge alongside Nikola Jokic in last year’s showdown with Minnesota, with the pair scoring 35 and 34 points respectively. Their six team-mates posted just 21 between them.

The Clippers will likely take that approach, where keeping their co-stars quiet is the best avenue to victory. Shutting down Denver’s two stars completely is a tall order, especially given Murray’s brilliant playoff record.

Murray dropped 43 points in Game 5 at home. The Canadian dropped 40 on the Clippers in a Game 7 in 2020, so his points tally is one to get behind. You can ladder his tally, with over 21.5 points at -120, 25+ points at +160 and 30+ points at +425 all good options. You may even want to look as far as 35+ points at +1200.

Ivica Zubac over 16.5 points (-115)

Zubac put in a brilliant performance that wasn’t reflected in the box score in Game 6. He finished with 10 points and six rebounds, but the way he closed down Jokic with his footwork and physicality was fantastic.

Zubac was also incredibly efficient at the other end of the floor, making five of his six shots. He’s shooting at 68% from the field in this series, while he has got to the line in every meeting bar Game 6.

That suggests there’s room for improvement for Zubac, who attempted at least 10 shots in the first five games of the series. He made 11 of his 15 efforts from the field in the last game in Denver, posting his playoff high of 27 points.

Given the strugglers that the Clippers’ shooters have had on the road, Zubac’s scoring threat could be key to keeping LA in the game. Back his points tally to rebound on Saturday. 

Russell Westbrook over 2.5 personal fouls (-120)

This number feels a little low for a player who has made three fouls in three of his five appearances in this series. He hit that number in Game 1, as well as each of the last two clashes between the sides. 

Westbrook has been happy to take fouls to break runs or when he thinks his team needs a burst of aggression. We saw that frequently last year, when he was with the Clippers in their first round exit to the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Nuggets will look to stop the Clippers’ scorers from building up rhythm, so Westbrook should clear this line once more. 

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LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets odds

LA Clippers	+100
Denver Nuggets	-120
Spread	DEN Nuggets -1.5
Total Points	O/U 206.0

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets player props

Player Points

Nikola Jokic (DEN Nuggets)	O/U 28.5
Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)	O/U 25.5
Jamal Murray (DEN Nuggets)	O/U 21.5
James Harden (LA Clippers)	O/U 21.5
Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers)	O/U 16.5
Norman Powell (LA Clippers)	O/U 16.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.