Nuggets Clash with Clippers in Game 3 of NBA Playoffs Tonight

Inglewood, California — The Denver Nuggets, seeded No. 5, will face the Los Angeles Clippers, seeded No. 4, in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The game is set to tip off at 10 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome.

The Nuggets won the first game in a thrilling overtime finish, defeating the Clippers 112-110. However, the Clippers bounced back in Game 2, winning 105-102 and stealing home-court advantage. Kawhi Leonard was pivotal for Los Angeles in Game 2, scoring an impressive 39 points, along with five assists and three rebounds, showcasing his ability to lead the team.

Denver comes into this game with some concerns as star player Nikola Jokić (shoulder) is listed as a game-time decision. Jokić has been a dominant force, averaging 27.5 points, 11.0 assists, and 10.0 rebounds in the playoffs so far.

In contrast, the Clippers have established themselves as one of the top defensive teams, holding the Nuggets to below their season average of 120.5 points per game through the first two games. The Nuggets struggled with turnovers in Game 2, giving up 20, which is significantly higher than their regular season average of 13.5.

The stakes remain high for both teams as they look to gain the upper hand in the series. Betting odds currently favor the Clippers by 5.5 points, with the over/under for total points set at 213.5. This matchup is crucial as both teams aim for a strong start to what promises to be a competitive playoff series.

The outcome of Game 3 is critical as the teams have split their four regular-season matchups. A win for the Nuggets would even the series, while a Clippers victory would put them in a dominant position.