The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers face off in a pivotal Game 6 of their 2025 NBA Playoffs first-round series on Thursday, May 1, at 10:00 PM ET. Denver is coming off their most dominating win of the series behind Jamal Murray’s 43 point night.

This Western Conference showdown promises high stakes, as Denver’s championship pedigree clashes with L.A.’s defensive prowess and star power. Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, picks, and everything you need to know for this TNT-televised thriller.

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Mama, Here Comes That Man… But Which Man?

Nikola Jokic is without question the best player on the planet, there is not a reasonable debate against this fact. But basketball is a team sport, and the best team wins, not the best player. Although Michael Jordan receives most of the credit for the Chicago Bulls six championships, he never won a playoff series without Scottie Pippen, nor Head Coach Phil Jackson (although both won several without Jordan). Dennis Rodman was pivotal in the Bulls’ last three championships and they would not have won without him. The same could be said of Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, Luc Longley, Bill Cartwright, and Horace Grant just to name a few.

The same truth can be said for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, although Jokic has never had an All-Star or All-NBA teammate. Jamal Murray scored 43 points in game five leading the Nuggets to a victory (just as this article predicted). Aaron Gordon has been an almost unstoppable force, and almost perfect from the free throw line in this series. Plus made an improbable last millisecond game winning slam dunk.

Russell Westbrook has scored double digit points in all four games that he has played meaningful time. He has also made 9 three point field goals, most of which came in crucial, momentum swinging, moments of the game. Christian Braun has been locking down James Harden, and Michael Porter has played through a grade II A/C Sprain, making 7 three point field goals in the last two games.

Although most NBA media chose the Clippers to win this series, and several still do, Denver has a great team. A team with several NBA champions. They have been in this scenario multiple times and Murray, Jokic, and Porter Jr. have come from behind to knock out a Clippers team with a similar roster before. Can they do it again? That is the question.

 

 

Los Angeles Clippers: Enough Wind in the Sails?

The Clippers have lost control of the series, and were given a first hand lesson in the brilliance of Jamal Murray. Although several analysts in the NBA media were ready to crown Kawhi Leonard the best player of a generation, he appears to have gone flat. Game five saw his least amount of points, his least amount of field goal attempts, and he has played less than 40 minutes in all but one game.

Leonard was essentially a non-factor in the second half, the Clippers were able to be competitive because of Kris Dunn. Dunn scored more points in game five than he did in the previous three combined. However the Clippers leader, James Harden, is once again coming up short in the playoffs. He scored just 11 points on nine field goal attempts, and recorded his lowest amount of assists (5) in this series.

Despite that the Clippers are far from eliminated, and are in fact favorites to win today. Norman Powell, Derrick Jones, and Ivica Zubac have been consistent players who have excelled in their role. This team goes as Leonard and Harden go. The question becomes do they have enough wind in their sails to carry them to a victory?

 

 

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

Here are the latest odds for game six, courtesy of BETMGM:

  • Spread: Clippers -6.5 (-110) | Nuggets +6.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Clippers -275 | Nuggets +220
  • Over/Under: 212.5 points (-110)
  • Betting Trends:
    • 78% of money bet on Devner to cover
    • 79% of money bet on the over
    • 52% of money bet on Los Angeles moneyline

The spread opened at Clippers -6.5 and has held steady, while the total dropped slightly from 213.5 to 212.5, reflecting the series’ defensive tone. The moneyline is almost split 50/50, but the spread is heavily tilted in the Nuggets covering.

 

 

Nuggets vs. Clippers Player Prop Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 9.5 Assists (-125, BetMGM)

For game six, the best bet is Nikola Jokic to exceed 9.5 assists (-125 at BetMGM). Jokic has been the Nuggets’ offensive hub, averaging 11.0 assists in the series and hitting at least 9 assists in eight of his last ten games, including 12 in game five. 

The Clippers’ strategy of doubling Jokic has led to turnovers but also opens passing lanes, as seen in his triple-double performances. With an opportunity to end the series, look for Jokic to find the open teammate, and the Nuggets continue to put up good field goal percentages. Put a unit on him to have 10 or more assists tonight at the Intuit Dome.

 

 

How To Watch Nuggets vs. Clippers on TNT Today

  • Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 PM ET
  • Channel: TNT
  • Streaming: FuboTV (free trial available), Sling TV, or the TNT app with a cable login
  • Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO

Fans can also follow live updates on the NBA app or ESPN’s website. Check local listings for additional broadcast options.

 

 

Nuggets vs. Clippers Injury Report & Starting Lineup

Injury Report

Projected Starting Lineups

 

 

How To Bet On Nuggets vs. Clippers at BetMGM Sportsbook & Claim Your $1500 Bonus

Betting on Nuggets vs. Clippers is easy with BetMGM Sportsbook, and new users can claim a $250 bonus in bonus bets. Here’s how:

  • Sign Up: Visit BetMGM.com or download the BetMGM app. Register for a new account.
  • Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum of $10.
  • Place Your First Bet: Wager at least $5 on any Nuggets vs. Clippers market (e.g., spread, moneyline, or Jokic’s assists prop).
  • Claim Bonus: Win or lose, BetMGM will credit your account with $1500 in bonus bets, which can be used on any sport within seven days.
  • Promo Code: No promo code is required for this offer, but check BetMGM’s promotions page for the latest terms.

BetMGM offers competitive odds, live betting, and player props for Game 6. Always gamble responsibly; call 1-800-GAMBLER if you need help.

Odds and availability are subject to change. Verify all promotions and odds at the sportsbook before betting.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy -

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