The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are set to face off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. With the series tied at 1-1, this pivotal matchup will determine which team takes the upper hand in this tightly contested Western Conference showdown.
Game Details
- Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- Broadcast: NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, Altitude Sports
Team Overview
Denver Nuggets
- Regular Season Record: 50-32 (4th seed in the Western Conference)
- Key Players:
- Nikola Jokic: The reigning MVP finalist has been the heart of Denver’s offense, averaging a triple-double in the series so far. Jokic’s ability to dominate in the paint and distribute the ball will be critical.
- Jamal Murray: Known for his clutch performances, Murray has contributed 44 points across the first two games and will need to step up further in Game 3.
- Aaron Gordon: Tasked with guarding Kawhi Leonard, Gordon’s defensive effort and scoring versatility will be pivotal.
Los Angeles Clippers
- Regular Season Record: 50-32 (5th seed in the Western Conference)
- Key Players:
- Kawhi Leonard: Coming off a spectacular 39-point performance in Game 2, Leonard has been the Clippers’ offensive leader and will look to replicate his dominance.
- James Harden: The veteran guard has been a consistent playmaker, averaging 32 points and 11 assists in the series.
- Ivica Zubac: Zubac’s physicality in the paint has been a challenge for Jokic, and his rebounding will be crucial for the Clippers.
Series Recap
- Game 1: The Nuggets secured a thrilling 112-110 overtime victory at Ball Arena, with Jokic leading the way with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Denver’s defense forced 20 turnovers, giving them the edge.
- Game 2: The Clippers bounced back with a 105-102 win, thanks to Leonard’s 39-point clinic and clutch plays from Norman Powell and Zubac in the final minutes.
Key Matchups
- Nikola Jokic vs. Ivica Zubac: Jokic’s ability to navigate Zubac’s physical defense will be a deciding factor. Zubac has managed to limit Jokic’s scoring efficiency, forcing him into more of a distributor role.
- Kawhi Leonard vs. Aaron Gordon: Leonard’s offensive brilliance has been the difference-maker for the Clippers, and Gordon will need to find ways to slow him down.
- Bench Contributions: Players like Norman Powell for the Clippers and Michael Porter Jr. for the Nuggets could swing the momentum with timely scoring.
Game Outlook
The Clippers will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage at the Intuit Dome, hosting their first-ever playoff game in the new arena. Their defense has been stellar, but they’ll need to limit turnovers and maintain offensive efficiency to secure a win. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will rely on Jokic’s leadership and a balanced scoring attack to regain control of the series. Denver’s rebounding advantage (+19 across the first two games) could play a significant role in Game 3.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 213
Los Angeles Clippers – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, April 23, 2025
