Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 7 Preview & Best Bets (May 3, 2025)
One game left! The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are all tied up at 3-3, making Game 7 at Ball Arena the end of the road for one team.. The winner gets a shot at the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, and the loser’s season is over.
Both squads have the talent, previous playoff scars, and an immense amount of pressure to come through. Between Jokić’s brilliance and Kawhi’s cold-blooded game winners, there’s not exactly a shortage of drama heading into Game 7.
Series Recap: A Battle of Titans
Let’s rewind and take a look at how we got here, because this has been an unpredictable series!
Nothing was steady; some of the games were decided in the final seconds, and others were out of reach before the fourth quarter started.
- Game 1: Nuggets take it in OT, 112-110. Jokić literally does it all.
- Game 2: Clippers hold off a late rally, win 105-102.
- Game 3: LA blows the doors off, 117-83.
- Game 4: Denver squeaks by with a 101-99 win.
- Game 5: Nuggets go off for 131–Murray and Porter just couldn’t miss.
- Game 6: Clippers go hard and win 111-105 with every player contributing.
Both have looked like the better team at different points. And now we get one last look to see who means it more.
Key Matchups & Storylines
Talent alone won’t win Game 7, but it def won’t hurt. We have to factor in the mini-battles happening on the court, too!
From big names to minor role players, here’s what could tip the scale
- Nikola Jokić vs. Ivica Zubac: No one stops Jokić, but Zubac made things a little harder for him in Game 6. He stayed out of foul trouble, cut off easy looks, and didn’t let Denver feed off second chances. If he can keep doing those things? It’ll buy the Clippers time to double and rotate when they need to.
- Harden & Kawhi vs. Murray & Co.: Kawhi has been ice cold in the best possible way—methodical, patient, and devastating when it’s crunch time. Harden’s been the steady hand keeping the offense running. Murray plays with more emotion, and when he gets going early, Denver feeds off of his energy. If his supporting cast shows up? It could go their way early.
- Bench Pressure: Westbrook, Powell, Braun, Jackson: Powell gives LA microwave scoring off the bench, and Westbrook has been forcing tough decisions for Denver’s guards with his energy. Christian Braun’s defensive hustle and Reggie Jackson’s shot-making have popped up right when the Nuggets needed it. Game 7 won’t belong to the starters.
- Sideline Decisions: Lue vs. Adelman: Ty Lue has made some really interesting calls this series—shortening the bench, adjusting coverages, and staggering the stars. He knows how to win in this kind of setting. Adelman has handled the Nuggets pretty well in Malone’s absence, but this is the moment where coaching decisions can change the outcome.
Best Bets for Game 7
The line’s tight, the total is low, and if you’re a nail biter, you’re gonna be eating good. But there are still a few angles to consider if you’re betting on this one.
We anticipate there won’t be any major swings and there’ll be more half-court sets. Defenses are going to clamp down, and efficiency will matter a lot more than pace. Here are the lines that we think are worth targeting courtesy of Fanatics Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: Clippers -1.5 – Oddsmakers aren’t favoring either team by much. LA is coming off a strong Game 6, and if Kawhi keeps getting to his spots, the Clippers have a real chance to close it out—even in Denver.
- Over/Under: 204.5 – This number’s low for a reason. Game 7s are close. Teams aren’t sprinting up and down the court—they’re walking it up, calling sets, and bleeding the clock. Leaning toward the under feels right if both sides stick with what’s been working defensively.
- Prop Bet: Nikola Jokić Over 10.5 Assists – Jokić has been a walking triple-double most of the postseason, but his assist numbers really spike when his teammates hit shots early. If the Clippers double him again, expect him to find cutters and shooters all game long.
How to Watch
- Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 pm ET
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Broadcast: TNT/truTV/Max
- Streaming: Available on Max and Sling TV
Conclusion: Anticipating a Classic
Prediction: Clippers 103, Nuggets 102
Both of these franchises are long overdue for a breakthrough, and they know it.
The Clippers are coming in with a little more momentum after their Game 6 win, but Denver’s got home court and a crowd that can change the energy in the arena. Jokić and Kawhi are both capable of owning this game, and it could come down to which player blinks first. Whatever happens, Game 7 will be a memorable chapter in NBA playoff history.
Top Bets Recap:
- Clippers -1.5
- Under 204.5
- Jokić Over 10.5 Assists
If you want to lock in your bets before tip-off, you can check out our list of the best betting sites here and get in before the lines move!
