Clippers vs Nuggets NBA Playoffs Game 2 Picks and Predictions

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Clippers vs Nuggets Game 2 Breakdown: What Bettors Need to Know

The Clippers had Game 1 in their hands… and let it slip. A brutal 20 turnovers, including seven from Kawhi, cost them the opener in OT, 112-110. But don’t be fooled — this series is wide open, and L.A. knows it.

Ty Lue’s squad controlled the pace, locked up Denver early (49 points allowed in the first half), and attacked the paint with purpose — 36 points down low by halftime. That formula works. And Lue made it clear: no panic, no major changes. “We’re in good shape,” he said. Just clean up the sloppiness and close it out.

James Harden looked sharp, Zubac held his own inside, and Kawhi was efficient (22 points on 9-of-15). They had stretches where Denver had no answers — especially before they strayed from the paint-focused attack.

Harden knows it too:

“It’s self-inflicted. That’s what stings. But we’ll be even better in Game 2.”

Meanwhile, Denver escaped with a win despite some chaos. Jokic was Jokic (27-12-9), but Russell Westbrook — yes, Russ — saved the night with a clutch three and a massive defensive stand in OT.

And here’s the wrinkle: Michael Porter Jr. was benched late, scoring just three points after his opening triple. Coach Adelman rode with defense to close it out — expect more of that if L.A. keeps targeting Porter.

“If Mike locks in and produces, he’ll play,” Adelman said. “Simple as that.”

But if L.A. leans into their Game 1 blueprint and tightens up the turnovers? They leave Denver 1-1 — and suddenly hold the edge heading back to L.A.