LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 30-01-2026

In a pivotal regular-season clash on January 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM in the Ball Arena, Denver, the LA Clippers (22-24) face the formidable Denver Nuggets (32-16). This matchup presents a fascinating dynamic, with both teams navigating significant injury concerns as they vie for crucial Western Conference standing.

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Matchup Preview

LA Clippers Key Stats & Trends

The LA Clippers’ recent performance has been a mixed bag, reflected in their near-.500 record. Their offense largely revolves around the brilliance of Kawhi Leonard, who leads the team with an impressive 27.9 points per game. Leonard’s all-around impact is undeniable, boasting a rating of 27.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, and 0.6 BPG, making him a two-way force. Complementing him, Ivica Zubac anchors the paint, pulling down a robust 10.9 rebounds per game, while James Harden orchestrates the offense with 8.1 assists per game. However, their consistency has been hampered by fluctuating availability and a reliance on individual heroics.

Injury Report LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard (Day-to-day): Leonard (knee) is questionable for Friday’s game in Denver, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Out): The Clippers assigned Bogdanovic (hamstring) to the G League’s San Diego Clippers on Tuesday.
Derrick Jones Jr. (Out): The Clippers assigned Jones (knee) to the G League’s San Diego Clippers on Tuesday.
TyTy Washington Jr. (Day-to-day): Washington (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Nets.
Bradley Beal (Out): Beal will undergo season-ending surgery on his left hip, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.

Denver Nuggets Key Stats & Trends

The Denver Nuggets, despite their impressive 32-16 record, are facing a challenging period. Their usual MVP-caliber production from Nikola Jokic has been their foundation, but with him sidelined, the offensive burden falls heavily on Jamal Murray. Murray has stepped up admirably, averaging 25.9 points per game and dishing out 7.4 assists per game, showcasing his leadership. His overall rating stands at 25.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.4 BPG. Jonas Valanciunas contributes with 5.1 rebounds per game, but the team’s depth and defensive integrity are severely tested by their extensive injury list.

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

Cameron Johnson (Out): Nuggets head coach David Adelman told reporters Thursday that the hope is that Johnson (knee) is cleared to return before the All-Star break in mid-February, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Christian Braun (Out): The Nuggets are hopeful Braun (ankle) can return before the All-Star break, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Aaron Gordon (Out): Gordon (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Thursday.
Nikola Jokic (Out): Jokic (knee) will be re-evaluated in about one week, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
Tamar Bates (Out): The Nuggets announced Monday that Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the significant injury woes plaguing both squads, this game’s outcome hinges heavily on available personnel. The Nuggets are critically hampered, missing their MVP Nikola Jokic, along with key starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson. This severely depletes their offensive firepower and defensive versatility. While the Clippers have their own concerns with Bradley Beal out for the season and Kawhi Leonard questionable, the sheer volume and impact of Denver’s absent players give the Clippers a distinct advantage. Even if Leonard sits, James Harden and Ivica Zubac, alongside a deeper healthy roster, can exploit Denver’s depleted lineup. We predict the winner will be LA Clippers.

Given the absence of Nikola Jokic’s elite scoring and playmaking for Denver, and the potential for a more conservative offensive approach from the Clippers if Leonard is limited or out, scoring is likely to be suppressed. The total points line of 210.5 feels ambitious under these circumstances. Expect a grind-it-out affair with both teams struggling to consistently generate high-efficiency offense. Therefore, our pick for the total points is under.

Last 5 Games: LAC

Form:

WWWLW

VS @ Utah

W 115-103

PTS Leonard 21

REB Leonard 7

AST Harden 10

VS vs Brooklyn

W 126-89

PTS Leonard 28

REB Zubac 10

AST Harden 8

VS vs Los Angeles

W 112-104

PTS Leonard 24

REB Zubac 19

AST Harden 10

VS @ Chicago

L 138-110

PTS Harden 24

REB Zubac 11

AST Harden 6

VS @ Washington

W 110-106

PTS Harden 36

REB Zubac 12

AST Harden 9

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
@ Utah	W 115-103	Leonard 21	Leonard 7	Harden 10
vs Brooklyn	W 126-89	Leonard 28	Zubac 10	Harden 8
vs Los Angeles	W 112-104	Leonard 24	Zubac 19	Harden 10
@ Chicago	L 138-110	Harden 24	Zubac 11	Harden 6
@ Washington	W 110-106	Harden 36	Zubac 12	Harden 9

Last 5 Games: DEN

Form:

WLWWL

VS vs Brooklyn

W 107-103

PTS Murray 27

REB Valanciunas 9

AST Murray 6

VS vs Detroit

L 109-107

PTS Murray 24

REB Valanciunas 16

AST Murray 10

VS @ Milwaukee

W 102-100

PTS Strawther 20

REB Nnaji 12

AST Pickett 7

VS @ Washington

W 107-97

PTS Watson 35

REB Valanciunas 9

AST Murray 5

VS vs Los Angeles

L 115-107

PTS Murray 28

REB Pickett 6

AST Murray 11

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
vs Brooklyn	W 107-103	Murray 27	Valanciunas 9	Murray 6
vs Detroit	L 109-107	Murray 24	Valanciunas 16	Murray 10
@ Milwaukee	W 102-100	Strawther 20	Nnaji 12	Pickett 7
@ Washington	W 107-97	Watson 35	Valanciunas 9	Murray 5
vs Los Angeles	L 115-107	Murray 28	Pickett 6	Murray 11

LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction | 01.30.26

LA Clippers

Denver Nuggets

Game Winner

Total Points

Tale of the Tape

Detailed Analysis