Clippers vs Nuggets Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/30/25

J.A. Cavalier
4 days ago
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Clippers vs Nuggets Free Pick

The LA Clippers head to the Mile High City tonight for a Western Conference matchup against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, and the two teams arrive moving in very different directions. Los Angeles enters at 22–24 riding strong momentum, having won three straight games and nine of its last ten, a stretch that has significantly reshaped its outlook in the West.

Denver, meanwhile, sits at an impressive 32–16 but faces a much tougher situational spot. The Nuggets remain without three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, whose absence leaves a significant void in the middle on both ends of the floor. That challenge is compounded by scheduling, as Denver is playing the second leg of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 107–103 win over Brooklyn last night.

While Ball Arena’s altitude is typically a meaningful advantage, fatigue and roster limitations can blunt its impact, particularly against a Clippers team playing with confidence and cohesion. This matchup ultimately becomes a test of whether Denver’s structure and home environment can offset missing personnel and tired legs, or if Los Angeles’ current form and depth allow them to capitalize on a vulnerable spot for the Nuggets.

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Another spot where the market is still pricing Denver like Jokic magically walks through the tunnel. He’s not. Yes, Denver’s at altitude, but they’re also on the second night of a back-to-back, coming off a grinder last night, and tired legs plus altitude usually hurts defense first, not offense. The Clippers are coming in hot—three straight wins, nine of the last ten—and when this team is rolling, they push efficiency, not pace panic. Even without Jokic, Denver has shown they can score through structure and shooting, but defensively that interior void is massive, especially late when rotations get sloppy. Now mix in a Clippers team that thrives off advantage basketball and a Nuggets squad trying to survive minutes without their MVP, and you’ve got a game where buckets come easier than stops. Public sees Jokic out and expects a rock fight; sharps see fatigue, altitude, and two offenses that don’t need permission to score.