The Denver Nuggets return from the All-Star break looking to snap a two-game skid as they face the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference matchup. The Nuggets, third in the West, rely on Nikola Jokic’s triple-double prowess (averaging 28.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.8 APG) despite injuries thinning their frontcourt, while the Clippers, 10th in the West, aim to build on a recent road win but struggle with consistency amid backcourt absences. This game at Intuit Dome could hinge on Denver’s elite offense (120.4 PPG, top-5) against LA’s improved defense post-trade (114.2 DRtg recently), potentially leading to a high-scoring affair if Jokic exploits mismatches.
Venue Location
Intuit Dome
Inglewood, California
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: ALT and FDSSC
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Injury Report
Denver’s frontcourt depth is tested with key absences, forcing more minutes for Jonas Valanciunas and Julian Strawther. The Clippers’ backcourt is depleted without Garland and Beal, shifting playmaking to James Harden and Kris Dunn.
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Reason |
| Nuggets | Aaron Gordon | PF | Out | Right Hamstring; Strain |
| Nuggets | Peyton Watson | SF | Out | Right Hamstring; Strain |
| Nuggets | Jalen Pickett | PG | Questionable | Knee |
| Nuggets | Spencer Jones | SF | Questionable | Concussion Protocol |
| Nuggets | Jamal Murray | PG | Questionable | Left Hip; Inflammation |
| Nuggets | Nikola Jokic | C | Probable | Left Ankle; Sprain |
| Nuggets | Christian Braun | SG | Probable | Left Ankle; Sprain |
| Clippers | Bradley Beal | SG | Out | Left Hip; Fracture (season-ending) |
| Clippers | Darius Garland | PG | Out | Left Toe; Injury Management |
| Clippers | Nicolas Batum | PF | Questionable | Rest |
If Murray sits, Russell Westbrook handles more point duties for Denver, dropping their ORtg by 3.2. Jokic’s probable status is crucial (NRtg +6.8 with him). For LA, Harden (22.4 PPG, 8.6 APG) shoulders the load without Garland, but their spacing suffers without Beal (38.2% 3P).
Key Player Matchups
Injuries create exploitable mismatches, with Jokic’s playmaking testing LA’s interior defense. Denver’s perimeter could target the Clippers’ thinned backcourt.
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) vs. Ivica Zubac/Brook Lopez (Clippers): Jokic (28.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.8 APG) returns dominant (recent triple-double vs. CHI), exploiting Zubac’s mobility (10.2 RPG). Lopez provides spacing (2.4 BPG), but Jokic’s vision (17 AST vs. CHI) boosts Denver’s ORtg to 122.4. If Jokic limited, Valanciunas fills in.
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets) vs. James Harden (Clippers): Murray (questionable, 25.7 PPG, 6.4 APG) vs. Harden (22.4 PPG, 8.6 APG). Murray’s efficiency (46.8% FG) targets Harden’s defense (opponents +3.2 points/100); if out, Westbrook (14.8 PPG) steps up. Harden’s step-back (38.4% 3P) tests Denver’s perimeter (116.3 DRtg recently).
- Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets) vs. Kawhi Leonard (Clippers): Porter (18.6 PPG, 41.2% 3P) vs. Leonard (27.9 PPG, elite two-way). Leonard’s defense (1.8 SPG) limits wings, but Porter’s spacing (3.8 3PM/G) edges if Leonard focuses on scoring.
- Bench Impact: Nuggets’ Julian Strawther (recent 18 PTS) vs. Clippers’ Bennedict Mathurin (debut flashes). Denver’s second unit NRtg +4.2; LA’s drops -3.8 without Garland/Beal.
Recent Team Forms
Denver alternates wins, going 2-3 in their last five with strong offense in victories (129.0 PPG). LA is 2-3, showing flashes but defensive lapses (118.6 PPG allowed in losses).Denver Nuggets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | vs. Grizzlies | W | 122-116 |
| Feb 9 | vs. Cavaliers | L | 117-119 |
| Feb 7 | @ Bulls | W | 136-120 |
| Feb 4 | @ Knicks | L | 127-134 2OT |
| Feb 3 | @ Pistons | L | 121-124 |
- Form: W-L-W-L-L
- Key Trend: Elite shooting in wins (52.8% FG), but turnovers rise (14.6/G) without full health. Road record: 15-14.
Los Angeles Clippers Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Feb 11 | @ Rockets | W | 105-102 |
| Feb 9 | vs. Pelicans | L | 104-118 |
| Feb 6 | @ Kings | W | 114-111 |
| Feb 4 | vs. Cavaliers | L | 91-124 |
| Feb 2 | vs. 76ers | L | 113-128 |
- Form: W-L-W-L-L
- Key Trend: Home splits 13-11, averaging 112.8 PPG but DRtg 116.4 in losses. Leonard’s scoring (29.0 PPG recently) key.
Series History
Denver holds a strong all-time edge, dominating recent meetings.
- All-Time Record: Nuggets 112-87 vs. Clippers
- Recent Head-to-Head: Nuggets won Jan. 30, 2026 (122-109 in Denver).
Nuggets won Nov. 12, 2025 (130-116). Nuggets 2-0 this season, 2-0 ATS
- Key Stat: In last 20 meetings, Nuggets 13-7; under has hit in 7 of last 10.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Nuggets 31-24 ATS overall, 15-14 ATS on road.
Clippers 26-28 ATS, 4-1 ATS in last 5. Over has hit in 4 of Clippers’ last 6; under in 7 of last 10 H2H. Nuggets 2-0 ATS vs. Clippers this season.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 4.5
Los Angeles Clippers 225.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026
