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For the first time since 2015, the Clippers will be playing in the second round. Let’s hope this series doesn’t end in absolute heartbreak like the last one did.
Game Information
Where: AdventHealth Arena, Orlando, Florida
When: Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. PT
How to watch: TNT, TSN5
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Landry Shamet, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac
Nuggets: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Jerami Grant, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic
Injuries/Absences
Clippers: Patrick Beverley (left calf) — QUESTIONABLE
Nuggets: Will Barton (right knee), Vlatko Cancar (left foot) — OUT
As you know, the Clippers are coming off a first-round series victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers won in six, but it was a battle. Through the first four games it was a 2-2 split, and it turned into a best-of-three series. However, the Clippers responded with arguably their two best games of the season, advancing to their second round for the first time in five years.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are coming off a thrilling game 7 victory over the Jazz. Denver nearly lost, as they escaped with a 80-78 victory. After going up 1-0 in the series, the Nuggets lost three straight to fall behind 1-3. They then rallied back and won the final three games of the series to advance.
Both of these teams met three times during the regular season. Denver took the first game by 10 at home, though the Clippers were without Paul George. Three players for the Clippers scored 25+ points, but they only got a combined 23 points from four other players.
The Clippers dominated the next game in Los Angeles, winning by 29 points. This came during that stretch in February where the Clippers had their whole lineup back and went on that big winning streak. LA got contributions from all over the place, as George was their leading scorer with only 24 points.
The third and final game came in the bubble a few weeks ago with the Clippers coming back out on top by 13. This was the game where LA dropped 74 points in the second half.