Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Game 1 Western Conference Semifinals. The Nuggets reach the second round after a difficult phase against the Jazz. But the past is behind, now the team has a greater challenge ahead. The Clippers did have some problems in the first round against the younger Mavericks.
Denver Nuggets: It’s not impossible.
The Nuggets accomplished something incredible. The team came out of the 3-1 hole against the Jazz after a lof of suffering in the first four games. But more importantly, the Nuggets are in the second round against a dangerous opponent. The team left several doubts in the first round, one of them was the defensive work. During the first round the Nuggets did not know how to defend against the Jazz.
The team has serious trouble scoring points in the playoffs. So far the Nuggets are 10th on the offensive table with 110 points per game. 86.1 FG points, 15.1 three pointers, 22.1 assists, and 85% free throw shots. The defense is also lousy, up to 113.4 points per game, 81.9 FG points and 15.7 three pointers.
Jamal Murray played the last three games well against the Jazz. For now, he leads the Nuggets in the playoffs with 31.6 points per game. Nikola Jokic is another important piece in the attack with 26.3 points per game. The bench is led by Michael Porter with 12 points per game.
Los Angeles Clippers: We are stronger than ever.
The Clippers are favorites to win this second round. Experts predict that the Clippers probably won’t concede the Nuggets more than one win. But the Clippers open the betting lines by being favorites by almost 10 points on the spread. The first round wasn’t as solid for the Clippers against the Mavericks. The team had serious problems stopping the attack during the two defeats they suffered in the first round.
The Clippers’ power is on offense, so far the team is number one in the playoffs with 126.7 points per game. 90.2 FG points, 14 three pointers, 81.2% free throw shots, 21.2 assists, and 8.7 offensive rebounds. The defense is among the worst four of the entire postseason allowing up to 117 points per game. Defense is a bit looser in the first two or three games of each round.
Leonard leads the Clippers with 32.8 points per game, 53.8% FG points, 29.4% three pointers and 85.5% free throws. Paul George is the second best of the team with 18.5 points. Lou Williams with 16, Morris with 12.8 and Zubac 11.2. The big absentee this season is Patrick Beverly due to various injuries, but with participation in the first round.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers 09/03/2020 is: take the Denver Nuggets +9.0 (SPREAD).
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