Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 3 Betting Preview (April 24, 2025)
It’s been back and forth from the get-go between the Nuggets and the Clippers. They’ve traded jabs across two really close games, and Game 3 pits them against one another in Inglewood. And both squads know that it’s anyone’s game. Neither team has pulled away. No one’s outclassed the other. Because the previous two were decided by three points or less, you can bet that Game 3 will be more of the same.
Game Details
Below are the details for the Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 3:
- Date & Time: Thursday, April 24, 10:00 pm ET
- Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- Broadcast: NBA TV, FDSSC, ALT
Current Betting Odds and Line Movement
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Nuggets | +5 (-110) | +170 | Over 213.5 (-110) |
Clippers | -5 (-110) | -205 | Under 213.5 (-110) |
Betting Odds Via DraftKings.
Yesterday Betting Odds
- Spread: Clippers -5
- Over/Under: 214 points
- Moneyline: Clippers -205, Nuggets +170
The books are still giving the nod to the Clippers at home, but after the last two games? That line might be more about the zip code than any kind of performance advantage.
Series Recap
This series has been one of the tighter ones of the first round—how we got to 1-1.
- Game 1: Denver outlasted L.A. 112-110 in overtime. Nikola Jokić was steady, surgical, and made all the right reads—basically, exactly what you’d expect from him, and Jamal Murray sealed it late with a pair of tough buckets.
- Game 2: Kawhi Leonard went ballistic—39 points on 15-of-19 shooting—and the Clippers scraped out a 105-102 win. It wasn’t anything pretty, but it got the job done.
Key Players to Watch
The usual players have delivered as always, but because both games went down to the wire, Game 3 could very well hinge on who gets more from their second and third options!
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokić: Putting up playoff triple-double numbers like it’s no sweat. He’s averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 boards, and 10.2 assists, and he’s still finding ways to surprise defenders every trip down the court.
- Jamal Murray: Carrying some of the late-game scoring load. He had 23 points in Game 2, and Denver will need every bit of it again.
LA Clippers
- Kawhi Leonard: Game 2 was one of his cleanest scoring nights in recent memory. Leonard was efficient, deliberate, and absolutely monstrous in isolation.
- James Harden: He’s been steady, averaging 22.8 points and close to 9 assists, but L.A. could use that vintage Harden for a night to get some separation in Game 3.
Statistical Comparison
Both squads stat profiles show what everyone has seen on the court; they have two very different approaches to getting buckets and getting stops.
Team Offense
- Nuggets: 120.8 PPG on 50.6% shooting. They’re built on efficiency and ball movement, not volume.
- Clippers: 112.9 PPG on 48.2% from the field. Streakier, but they’ve got more isolation scorers who can create under pressure.
Team Defense
- Nuggets: Giving up 116.9 PPG. Their defense gets loose, especially during transition.
- Clippers: Allowing just 108.2 PPG. More physical, better switching, and a knack for closing out shooters.
Betting Insights
When we take a look at the betting trends, we get better context about where the numbers are landing and how each team has handled its expectations.
Against the Spread (ATS)
- Clippers: 47-34-1: They’ve consistently been able to cover, especially in close games.
- Nuggets: 38-44: More hit-or-miss, it all depends on how well they shoot.
Over/Under Trends
- Clippers: The total has gone over in 39 of 82 games.
- Nuggets: The over has hit in 49 games, which is no surprise given their offensive firepower and up-and-down defense.
If Game 3 is anything like the first two, the under looks pretty good, but both teams have the scorers to change that in any quarter.
Injury Report
Which players are on the mend and who is out heading into Game 3? And how could it impact rotations? Look below to find out!
| Team | Player |
|---|---|
Denver Nuggets | Michael Porter Jr.: Porter is being listed as a game-time decision. He’s been a main spacing threat when he’s healthy, so this will be one to watch as tip-off gets closer. |
LA Clippers | Seth Lundy: Lundy is out for the season. Although he isn’t a core part of the rotation, his absence does thin out the Clippers’ bench depth. |
Predictions
We’ve watched two games that came down to the final few possessions, so there’s no obvious side that has the clear advantage. But looking at the numbers, trends, and how each team has looked so far, there are a few angles that pop out for those who want value, not just a winner.
Score Prediction: Clippers 117, Nuggets 112.
L.A. has been the more reliable team on defense, and if Kawhi keeps scoring the way he has, they’ll be tough to slow down. Denver will hang in there, but the Clippers might have just enough shot-making and late-game composure to get over the top again.
Best Bets
- Spread: Nuggets +5: Both games have come down to the wire, and the Nuggets haven’t looked like they’ve been suffering while on the road. Taking the points feels like the safer call.
- Total Points: Over 214: Both teams are shooting well, and the stars are logging heavy minutes, so the scoring potential is high. A late push or overtime wouldn’t be shocking either.
Place Your Bets: Looking to place a bet on this game? Check out our recommended betting sites to ensure your money is safe and you get paid out quickly!
If you’re unsure where to go with the moneyline, this could be the kind of matchup that’s better suited for live betting or player props because of how unpredictable the closing stretches have been. If you’re betting on this one, look toward the spread or live lines, as it could come down to the final possession again.
The Stakes Are High in Game 3
Game 3 won’t seal anything, but it sure could change how the rest of the series unfolds. Denver would love to steal one in L.A. before heading back to altitude, and the Clippers know how hard it is to fall behind in a series like this. There is no obvious favorite, and both squads are throwing haymakers, so get ready for another tense, down-to-the-buzzer game!
