NBA Christmas Day: Nuggets vs. Clippers preview and game thread

Game Information

Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

When: Friday, Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m. PT

How to watch/listen: ESPN, Fox Sports Prime Ticket, AM 570 LA Sports

Projected Starting Lineups:

Clippers: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka

Nuggets: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Michael Porter Jr., Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic

Injuries/Absences

Clippers:

Jay Scrubb - OUT

Marcus Morris Sr., - OUT

Nuggets:

JaMychal Green - OUT

Greg Whittington - OUT

Betting

Clippers -2.5

Over/Under: 224.5

The Clippers end Christmas Day with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets. This will be a rematch of the Western Conference semifinals from back in the bubble. Yes, the series in which the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead. At this point, I’m sure both teams have had enough of hearing about it, so let’s talk about this matchup!

LA is coming off a thrilling victory over the Lakers to kick off the season. Paul George was the star of the night from that game, as he finished with 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting including five made from deep. He also added six rebounds and three assists. Kawhi Leonard finished right behind him, adding 26 points to go along with three assists and two steals.

Switching over to Denver’s side, they’re coming off a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer in overtime to the Sacramento Kings. There might be some tired legs for sure, as all five members of the starting lineup played at least 30 minutes, including two players who were out there for at least 40 minutes.

Nikola Jokic was phenomenal for the Nuggets, as he finished with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists. Good grief. Michael Porter Jr. had a nice overall game as well, adding 24 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

These two teams are very familiar with each other. Both teams made a few offseason moves, but the overall build of the team looks like the ones from the bubble in Orlando. I’m sure the Clippers want a win to get the sour taste of the blown series lead out of their mouth, and Denver wants a win to prove LA didn’t simply “blow it”.

Either way, we’re in store for a great game. What a great way to cap off Christmas.

For more Clippers talk, subscribe to the Clips Nation podcast feed on iTunes or Spotify.