The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets head into a pivotal Game 5 of their 2025 NBA Playoffs first-round series, with the series tied 2-2. The Denver Nuggets completed the best airball of all-time as Aaron Gordon slammed down the miss with literally less than 0.1 seconds. This has been the best first round playoff series in at least five years, and tonight should live up to the hype. Here’s a breakdown of the storylines, odds, picks, and how to watch and bet on this thrilling TNT showdown.

 

 

Los Angeles Clippers: Depth and Defense Fueling a Playoff Push

The Clippers have emerged as a legitimate threat in the Western Conference, leaning on their star-studded lineup and suffocating defense. Kawhi Leonard has been a postseason force, averaging 26.5 points and 1.75 steals per game in this series, with a 39-point masterpiece in Game 2 and a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double in Game 3. 

James Harden continues to orchestrate the offense, posting 21.25 points and 9.5 assists per game, while Ivica Zubac has held his own against Jokic, averaging 11.5 rebounds in four games. Los Angeles’ depth, with contributions from Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, and a revitalized bench, has overwhelmed Denver’s thin rotation. The Clippers have won 21 games on the road and lost 22 games on the road (including the playoffs). The question is whether they can maintain that intensity on the road in a hostile Denver environment.

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Can Murray Rise to the Occasion? 

The Nuggets are leaning heavily on Nikola Jokic, who’s delivering a historic postseason, averaging a near triple-double with 28.5 points, 13.75 rebounds, and 10.75 assists per game. He carried them in game four with 43 minutes, 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists. What would be an unreal, all-time, game for most is just another day at the office for Jokic.

 Jamal Murray has been a reliable co-star, averaging 20.0 points and 6.0 assists per game, but Denver’s lack of depth has been exposed. Michael Porter’s shoulder sprain has lingered, with his status listed as questionable for Game 5, and Christian Braun has struggled, averaging just 10.5 points, almost five points per game less than his season average.. The Nuggets will need to rely on their offense first, but must play with better defense to ensure a win at Ball Arena. After a demoralizing Game 3 loss at home, Denver needs Murray to step up and deliver more points in order to avoid falling behind 3-2.

 

 

Clippers vs. Nuggets Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Here are the latest odds for Game 5 from DraftKings Sportsbook:

  • Spread: Clippers -2 (-108) | Nuggets +2.0 (-112)
  • Moneyline: Clippers -130 | Nuggets +110
  • Over/Under: 208.5 points (-110)

The Clippers are 2.0 point favorites, reflecting confidence in their road performance and Denver’s injury concerns. The total has dropped from 218 in Game 2 to 208.5, as the series has trended Under, with Game 3 (200 points) and Game 4 (210.5 points) falling well below projections.

 

 

Clippers vs. Nuggets Best Bet: Jamal Murray Over 20.5 Points (-132 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

As mentioned, Jamal Murray has not been able to put up consistent points this series, and there are a couple factors preventing him from doing so. First and foremost the Clippers realize how much the Nuggets prefer to set up their offense with Jaml at the point. Due to that they double team before he arrives at the three point line. The second factor is he has been dealing with sickness, as were/are several NBA teams. He played with a long sleeve shirt in their game two loss due to it and he should be 100% after an extended break.

Now it’s time for “playoff Jamal” to show himself, and not just help his team to a victory, but carry Denver to their third win. He has not scored his playoff average of 24 points per game and tonight the coaching staff should create plays and schemes to get him more open looks. 

He has played 42 or more minutes in three of the four games of this series, and has attempted 69 field goals, but only made 29. That is a dismal 42 percent field goal percentage and Jamal will improve his scoring tonight. Put a unit on it at FanDuel Sportsbook today.

 

 

How To Watch Clippers vs. Nuggets on TNT Today

  • Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. MT)
  • Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
  • TV: TNT
  • Streaming: FuboTV (free trial available), Sling TV, or the TNT app with a cable provider login
  • Announcers: Check local listings or TNT’s schedule for the broadcast team.

Fans can also follow live updates via the NBA app or game tracking sites. For international viewers, TNT Sports (UK) or NBA League Pass may offer streaming options.

 

 

Clippers vs. Nuggets Injury Report & Starting Lineup

Injury Report (as of April 28, 2025)

Projected Starting Lineups

Check NBA.com closer to tip-off for confirmed lineups, as Denver’s injury situation could shift rotations.

 

 

How To Bet On Clippers vs. Nuggets at FanDuel Sportsbook & Claim Your $250 Bonus

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a seamless platform for betting on Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5, with a generous welcome offer for new users. Here’s how to get started:

  • Sign Up: Visit FanDuel Sportsbook’s website or download the FanDuel app (available on iOS and Android).
  • Register: Create an account by providing your email, username, and password. Verify your identity as required.
  • Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum of $5 using options like credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
  • Claim Bonus: Place a first bet of $5 or more on any market, including Clippers vs. Nuggets. If your bet wins, you’ll receive $250 in Bonus Bets, issued as ten $25 bonus bets, win or lose.
  • Bet on the Game: Navigate to the NBA section, select Clippers vs. Nuggets, and choose your wager (e.g., Clippers -2.5, Over 215.5, or player props like Jokic Over 10.5 Assists). Confirm your bet slip.

Promo Details: No promo code is required. Bonus bets expire within seven days and cannot be withdrawn as cash but can be used on any FanDuel market. Must be 21+ and located in a state where FanDuel is licensed. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel’s partnership with TNT makes it a top choice for NBA betting, offering competitive odds and live betting options for every play. Check FanDuel’s promotions page for additional Game 5-specific offers, like same-game parlay boosts.

This Game 5 clash is a must-watch, with the Clippers’ depth and defense pitted against Jokic’s brilliance. Tune into TNT, place your bets on FanDuel, and enjoy the playoff intensity


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