INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As the 2025 NBA playoffs heat up, the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in a critical Game 6 of their first-round series this Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. The Nuggets currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 after a commanding 131-115 victory on Tuesday, where Jamal Murray dropped 43 points and Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double.
The Clippers, tied with the Nuggets at a 50-32 season record, are keen to avoid exiting the playoffs early for the third consecutive year. They boast an impressive 31-12 home record for the 2024-25 season. Tip-off will take place at the Intuit Dome, with the Clippers holding a six-point favorite status as per the latest odds. The over/under for total points is set at 212.5.
“We need to bring our ‘A’ game and play like we want to win, especially at home,” Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard said. His postseason performance has been strong, averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over the series. In his last game, he almost achieved a triple-double, recording 20 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Denver’s Jokic is proving to be a formidable opponent, showcasing his skills by averaging a triple-double in the playoffs, with 25.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.0 assists in his five starts. In the last matchup, he tallied a jaw-dropping 36 points and nabbed 21 rebounds. “Every game matters now, and we need to capitalize on what we learn,” Jokic commented.
Murray’s performance in Game 5 was nothing short of electric. He dominated the court with 43 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. In Game 2, he had a solid 23 points, contributing significantly despite the team’s loss. His postseason averages stand at 24.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.
The Clippers and Nuggets split their regular-season matchups and have exchanged wins in their previous playoff series meetings, adding to the intensity of this first-round showdown. The matchup also represents a critical moment for the teams’ futures, with both focused on sealing a trip to the next round.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which has been highly successful over the past six seasons, simulated the game 10,000 times, predicting an over 214 combined points in the matchup.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an electrifying Game 6, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Only one can advance, and the excitement is palpable across the courts.
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