Clippers Ready for Another Big Bounce-Back

The Denver Nuggets rediscovered their defensive identity just in time to earn a split of their first two games with the Los Angeles Clippers, but they might be without one of their top players for Monday’s Game 3. Center Nikola Jokic is considered questionable with a wrist injury, and his absence would leave a significant hole in the Nuggets’ offensive game plan.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Clippers kicked things off at -7.5, but the spread has grown all the way to -9 in the majority of spots. The total has moved in the opposite direction, Sportsbook at 221 but dipping to 219.

Los Angeles News & Notes

The Clippers are a wonderfully talented team, but they showed stunning lapses over the course of the regular season that left fans and bettors alike wondering if they have what it takes to win the title. That inconsistency was in full view Saturday as the Clippers shot 28.1 percent from three-point range, committed 17 turnovers, trailed by as many as 23 points and never had the lead.

Of greatest concern to Clippers fans – and something worth monitoring from a betting slant – is the fact that superstar forward Kawhi Leonard was held to just 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting, marking his worst scoring performance in his last 52 postseason appearances. Leonard is still averaging 29.9 points for the playoffs and is a good play to go OVER his Vegas point total Monday.

Denver News & Notes

Jokic’s sprained right wrist has become the major storyline heading into Game 3. The seven-foot Serbian is averaging 25.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the playoffs, and had 26 points and 18 boards in Game 2 after being held to 15 points and three rebounds in the opener. Mason Plumlee will likely be called upon to start in Jokic’s place if he’s unable to participate.

Look for an even greater scoring burden on Jamal Murray regardless of whether Jokic plays. Murray, who had a pair of 50-point performances in Round 1 against the Utah Jazz, overcame a rough Game 1 showing with 27 points in the series-tying victory. But Murray averaged just 13.3 points on 37.5 percent shooting vs the Clippers during the regular season.

Betting Pick: Clippers -9 (-110)

Not only have the Clippers followed each of their previous eight losses with victories but those wins have been by an average of 21.9 points. This team bounces back like few others – and should do so again Monday.