NBA Predictions: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Monday, 3/17/14, 10:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -5.5
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -4.5
Opening Total: 222
Current Total: 217.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin is enjoying an MVP-type season

Los Angeles has won 11 games in a row, including a 102-80 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as 11.5-point home favorites Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total for a fifth consecutive contest. The Clippers are being led by the play of forward Blake Griffin, who is averaging 24.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions. He has tallied 11 games with 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds. Los Angeles is 17-5 SUATS as road favorites of 3.5 to 6 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Clippers are just a win away from reaching the longest streak in the league this season and the second longest in franchise history—something that can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. Los Angeles has compiled a 19-15 SU road record, including an 11-8 mark when taking on Western Conference rivals. Offensively, the team is piloted by point guard Chris Paul, who paces the league in averaging 11.0 assists per game.

Denver had its two-game winning streak snapped last Saturday, as it dropped a 97-92 decision to the Atlanta Hawks as 5.5-point road underdogs, while going UNDER the betting total of 220. The Nuggets have four players averaging double figures, with that group led by point guard Ty Lawson, who is averaging 18.2 points a contest. He has registered a double-double in points and assists in 14 of his last 23 games. Denver is 1-3 SU and 3-1 ATS as home underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points.

The Nuggets have compiled an even 16-16 record at the Pepsi Center during the 2013-14 campaign, including a losing 9-10 mark versus conference foes. Denver has won 18 of its last 28 games versus Los Angeles, while it has gone 60-19 SU in this series when playing in front of its fans. The team’s bench is one of its greatest strengths, with the group ranking third in the league in averaging 39.0 points per game.