Denver Nuggets vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions April 29th 2025

Clippers vs Nuggets Game 5: Intensity Peaks with Series Even at 2-2

Welcome to one of the most electric matchups in the NBA Playoffs so far: the Clippers vs Nuggets Game 5 is here, and it’s anything but ordinary. After a historic walk-off dunk from Aaron Gordon knotted the series on Saturday night, this Western Conference quarterfinal has all the ingredients of a classic.

The Denver Nuggets are back at home with momentum on their side. The Los Angeles Clippers? Well, they’ve already stolen one in Denver and know they can do it again.

With the series now a best-of-three, Game 5 becomes a pressure cooker, statistically crucial and emotionally charged. History shows that the team winning Game 5 in a 2-2 series goes on to win over 80% of the time.

But if you’re Denver, that stat might come with a pinch of salt.

A Familiar Fork in the Road for the Nuggets

Twice in the past seven years, the Nuggets have found themselves in the exact same spot: tied 2-2, winning Game 5, and still falling in Game 7—once against Portland in 2019 and again just last year against Minnesota.

The challenge now? Shake off that baggage and create a new chapter.

Denver’s confidence has been reborn, thanks in large part to Gordon’s thunderous, buzzer-beating dunk in Game 4—the first official walk-off dunk in NBA playoff history.

The Mile High crowd will be rocking, and if the Nuggets are going to flip the script, it starts with this game.

Kawhi Leonard & Clippers Lean Into the Chaos

The Clippers knew this wouldn’t be easy. This isn’t their first rodeo when it comes to wild playoff series. And as Kawhi Leonard put it:
“This is how it’s supposed to go.”

Leonard’s been the steady hand for LA, leading the team with 26.5 points per game in the series. He’s been solid on both ends, guarding elite scorers and still putting up efficient numbers. The Clippers’ balanced attack, deep bench, and playoff-tested roster have kept them toe-to-toe with the defending champs.

While James Harden exploded for 32 points in Game 1, he’s cooled off significantly—averaging just 17.7 points since. That’s been a big shift in momentum.

The Clippers’ game plan? Spread the floor, lean on their depth, and use their physicality to disrupt Denver’s rhythm.

Things Got Heated: Game 4 Nearly Boiled Over

If you thought playoff basketball was soft these days, this series would say otherwise.

The end of the first half in Game 4 saw tempers flare, benches stir, and six technical fouls dished out after an altercation nearly led to blows. Michael Porter Jr. even risked suspension for stepping off the bench, though he managed to avoid ejection.

As Clippers guard Norman Powell summed it up:
“No one’s giving an inch. No one’s backing down. And honestly, we like it that way.”

This tension has sparked some throwback playoff energy—the kind that feels more 2005 than 2025. And with another game in Denver, the heat’s only going to rise.

The MVP Factor: Nikola Jokic Doing It All

If the Nuggets are going to break their Game 5 curse, it starts with their superstar.

Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of elite. Through four games, he leads the Nuggets in points (28.5), rebounds (13.5), and assists (10.8). He’s anchoring both ends of the floor while playing over 40 minutes a night.

Coach David Adelman has leaned heavily on his starters, with Jokic, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon all logging heavy minutes.

“I’m going to do my best to make sure they get breaks,” Adelman said. “But our starters have to carry this.”

That’s not coach-speak—it’s survival mode. Denver’s bench has thinned with Russell Westbrook nursing a foot injury. He missed Game 4 but was seen at Monday’s walkthrough. He’ll be a game-time decision.

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Clippers Count on Their Depth

The Clippers, by contrast, have embraced a deep rotation. Eight players are seeing at least 14 minutes per game, and it’s allowed them to keep fresh legs while pushing Denver’s starters to their limits.

That depth has paid off. Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, and Bones Hyland have all contributed in key stretches. It’s been a true team effort, which is crucial when your stars are getting double-teamed and ground down.

With Harden playing nearly 40 minutes per night and facing constant pressure, LA’s supporting cast becomes even more essential.

What’s at Stake in Game 5?

In a word: everything.

This is the pivot point. With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 is about momentum, matchups, and mental toughness. The winner gets a leg up and, in this case, likely a path to the Western Conference Finals—especially with Game 7 (if necessary) back in Denver.

Denver wants redemption. LA wants revenge. The fans want fireworks.

This isn’t just a basketball game—it’s a battle of wills.

Game 5 Preview: Keys to Victory

Denver Nuggets Must:

• Ride Jokic’s momentum and play through the post
• Limit bench minutes to minimize drop-off
• Stay composed in heated moments
• Hit perimeter shots to stretch LA’s defense

LA Clippers Must:

• Let Kawhi lead but keep moving the ball
• Target Murray on defense
• Use bench energy to wear down Denver starters
• Keep composure in Denver’s rowdy arena

Inside the Numbers

FAQs

When is Game 5 between the Nuggets and Clippers? Game 5 tips off Tuesday night in Denver.

What is the current series score? The Nuggets and Clippers are tied 2-2.

Who hit the buzzer-beater in Game 4? Aaron Gordon dunked at the buzzer, marking the first walk-off dunk in NBA playoff history.

Will Russell Westbrook play in Game 5? He’s listed as a game-time decision with a foot injury.

Why is Game 5 so important? Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a 2-2 series goes on to win the series over 80% of the time.

How are Jokic and Leonard performing? Jokic is averaging a triple-double, while Leonard is leading the Clippers with 26.5 points per game.