The Los Angeles Clippers, 1-point favorites, welcome the Denver Nuggets to Staples Center to commence their seasons. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 226 points and action starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
Last season, Los Angeles did not make the playoffs following a 42-40 regular season. Denver also did not reach the playoffs after a 46-36 regular season campaign.
Last season, Los Angeles has done a great job of getting to the free throw line. They ranked fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.222), but Denver was among the best in the league at keeping opponents off the line (ranking fifth by allowing a FTA rate of 0.173). Moreover, the Nuggets, who ranked third in offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 percent), will try to exploit the Clippers, who ranked 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.1 percent).
The Nuggets had a respectable 46-36 straight up (SU) record last season, but were just 45-35-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas had a tendency to set the total a little low when Denver is involved, as 50 of their 82 games gone over the projected point total.
On the other side, the Clippers owned records of 42-40 SU and 42-46-1 ATS last season. Coinciding with Denver, games including Los Angeles went over the O/U total 51.7 percent of the time.
The Clippers edged out the Nuggets in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last matchup, Denver won 134-115. Denver was lights out from beyond the arc (12-29; 41.4 percent). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.6 vs. 23.3).
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Nuggets average 30.9 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Clippers rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
- Los Angeles averages 52.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the league. Denver ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.3).
- The Nuggets rank third in second chance points per game (14.0) while the Clippers rank 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
- Denver ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Los Angeles ranks 18th (43.6).
- Denver averages 16.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
- The Nuggets rank eighth in fast break points per game (13.4) while the Clippers rank last in fast break points allowed per game (15.4).
- The Nuggets average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Clippers rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Denver ranks 16th in steals per game (7.6) while Los Angeles ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
- Denver ranks fourth in assists per game (25.1) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (24.6).
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Denver is 15-2 and Los Angeles is 13-2.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Clippers are 40-27 and the Nuggets are 39-26.
