2025 NBA Western Conference 1st Round Playoffs Game 3 - #4 DEN vs. #5 LAC: Can the Clippers sail past the Nuggets at Intuit Dome? April 24, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The first-round clash between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs hits a crucial point as the series shifts to California for Game 3 on Thursday, April 24. With tipoff set for 10:00 PM EDT at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood and the series deadlocked at 1-1, both teams are eager to seize the momentum in this tightly contested Western Conference showdown.

Series Recap and Recent Form

It has been a thrilling start to the series. Denver eked out a 112-110 overtime win in Game 1, only for the Clippers to punch back in Game 2 behind a vintage Kawhi Leonard performance - 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting - as LA claimed a narrow 105-102 victory to even things up. Leonard's resurgence comes at a vital time for the Clippers, who surged into the postseason with an 18-3 run since early March.

Denver, the No. 4 seed with a 50-32 regular season record, continues to lean heavily on Nikola Jokic, whose near triple-double averages remain central to the Nuggets' game plan. However, the team faces a hurdle with Michael Porter Jr. listed as questionable after spraining his left shoulder late in Game 2. Interim coach David Adelman - stepping in after a late-season front office shakeup involving the firings of coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth - must now navigate the playoffs under pressure.

Denver vs. Los Angeles Sports Bet Odds

The Clippers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Clippers favored by 5 points, with a money line of -210.
• The Nuggets are the underdogs by 5 points, with a money line of -180.
• The over/under is set at 214 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115.

Key Matchups and Tactical Focus

At the heart of Game 3's tactical chess match is the battle between Jokic and Clippers center Ivica Zubac. Zubac's rim protection and ability to limit Jokic's post play could be decisive in disrupting Denver's offensive flow. On the flip side, Denver will look to ease the scoring burden on Jokic by involving Aaron Gordon and Porter Jr. (if available) more prominently.

On the perimeter, Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. will be vital for LA. Their perimeter defense has been a key to the Clippers' top-three defensive rating this season, and their ability to stifle Denver's pick-and-roll action while limiting open threes could swing the game. Meanwhile, Denver's own defense has shown vulnerability—especially at home—which LA may look to exploit.

Kawhi Leonard's form remains a major storyline. If Game 2 is any indication, a healthy Kawhi significantly boosts LA's title hopes. Head coach Tyronn Lue is confident in Leonard's ability to lead, and the Clippers will look to leverage mismatches around him to generate high-quality offense.

Injury Watch and Player Availability

The Clippers come into Game 3 with a clean bill of health - Leonard, James Harden, and Zubac are all available and in rhythm. For the Nuggets, Porter Jr.'s shoulder injury looms large. His availability could significantly influence Denver's spacing and scoring diversity, and his status remains day-to-day.

Final Thoughts Game 3 - #4 DEN vs. #5 LAC

With the series shifting to Los Angeles, Game 3 represents a major opportunity for both teams to take control. The Clippers will look to their defensive anchors in Leonard and Zubac to contain Jokic, while Denver's hopes rest on their MVP center and a potentially shorthanded supporting cast. The outcome could hinge on Porter Jr.'s health and which team better capitalizes on strategic mismatches. Either way, a fiercely competitive contest awaits.

2024-25 Comparative Nuggets vs. Clippers Season Stats

Denver Nuggets	VS	Los Angeles Clippers
107.0	Points Per Game	107.5
47.5	Rebounds Per Game	38.0
23.5	Assists Per Game	24.5
9.5	Steals Per Game	10.0
15.5	Turnovers Per Game	11.5