Clippers vs Nuggets Match Preview, NBA 24-25: The Western Conference playoffs are here, and the Los Angeles Clippers face the Denver Nuggets in what promises to be a thrilling first-round series.
The Clippers are one of the hottest teams entering the postseason, finishing the regular season on an 18-3 run. Denver, meanwhile, is adjusting to a major coaching shake-up but remains a formidable opponent led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokić.

With Kawhi Leonard in elite form and James Harden rediscovering his spark, the Clippers enter with confidence. Denver, however, has seen key role players like Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. step up under interim coach David Adelman. Will LA’s momentum carry them through, or can Denver stabilize and defend their home court? Let’s break down the series in detail.
| Team | W | L | PCT | Last 15 Games | Net Rating | Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Clippers | – | – | – | 13-2 | +15.0 | 123.1 | 108.2 |
| Denver Nuggets | – | – | – | 3-0 (under Adelman) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Date | Matchup | Result | Winner | Top Nuggets Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2025 | Nuggets vs Clippers | Nuggets 126-103 | Nuggets | FG%: N/A, 3PT: N/A, FT: N/A (incomplete stats) |
| Dec 13, 2024 | Nuggets vs Clippers | Nuggets 120-98 | Nuggets | FG%: 54.5%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 81.3% |
| Dec 1, 2024 | Nuggets @ Clippers | Clippers 126-122 | Clippers | FG%: 58.0%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 52.6% |
| Oct 26, 2024 | Nuggets vs Clippers | Clippers 109-104 | Clippers | FG%: 40.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.3% |
| Apr 4, 2024 | Nuggets @ Clippers | Clippers 102-100 | Clippers | FG%: 43.4%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 68.0% |
| Stat | Clippers | Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Kawhi Leonard | Nikola Jokić |
| Rebounds | Ivica Zubac | Nikola Jokić |
| Assists | James Harden | Nikola Jokić |
| Steals | Terance Mann (est.) | Jamal Murray (est.) |
| Blocks | Mason Plumlee (est.) | Aaron Gordon (est.) |
| FG% | Bogdan Bogdanović | Michael Porter Jr. |
| 3PT% | Norman Powell (est.) | Michael Porter Jr. |
| FT% | James Harden | Nikola Jokić |
The Clippers come into this series with the league’s best net rating over the final stretch, anchored by elite offense and stifling defense.
A key matchup will be Ivica Zubac versus Nikola Jokić in the paint. If Zubac can limit Jokić’s scoring without double teams, the Clippers gain a major edge.
Under David Adelman, Denver’s offense is flowing more through slashing and ball movement, helping take pressure off Jokić.
The Clippers’ deep bench and spacing from players like Bogdanović give them flexibility, while Denver’s experience and Jokić’s brilliance keep them dangerous.
Los Angeles Clippers 4 - Denver Nuggets 2 (Series Result)
The Clippers’ momentum, deep roster, and elite two-way play make them slight favorites heading into this series. Denver is undergoing change, but with Jokić and a familiar core, they’ll be no easy out. Expect intense battles, especially in the frontcourt, but the Clippers\' late-season surge might just carry them past the first round.
Stay tuned for what’s sure to be a playoff thriller in the West!