Nuggets vs Clippers NBA Player Prop Picks (Apr 21)

• Nikola Jokic was one assist shy of a triple-double in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
• James Harden was the head cog for the Houston Rockets, pumping in 32 points in a losing effort.
• Which of these players will lead their respective teams to victory in Game 2 of this first-round playoff series?

One of the games on Monday’s NBA slate features the Denver Nuggets hosting the LA Clippers. Nikola Jokic, who could win the MVP award again, was Denver’s leading scorer. Meanwhile, James Harden set the tone for the Rockets’ offense. Which player will rise to the occasion in Game 2?

Denver Nuggets Player Prop Pick: Nikola Jokic

After posting a triple-double average during the regular season, Jokic powered the Nuggets with 29 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds in the series opener. He currently has -109 odds of finishing with more than 27.5 points and -120 odds of scoring less than 27.5 points (per BetOnline). Can Denver’s big man exceed the projected points total for this matchup? Let’s take a look and find out.

• During the regular season, Jokic put up 29.6 points per game.
• In the previous five matchups against Los Angeles, he has averaged 30.0 points per outing on 54.2 percent shooting overall and 45.5 percent from 3.
• Over his last five starts, Jokic has averaged 25.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup twice during that stretch.

Los Angeles Clippers Player Prop Pick: James Harden

The 2024-25 campaign represented the fourth straight season in which Harden averaged less than 23 points per game. However, he did a little bit of everything in Game 1, finishing with 32 points, 11 boards, and six dimes.

It is this spectacular effort that makes him our key player to watch for the road team. He currently has -109 odds of scoring more than 23.5 points and -120 odds of finishing with less than 23.5 points. Let’s see how his numbers compare to the projected points total.

• During the season, Harden averaged 22. 8 points per outing.
• In the previous five matchups against Denver, Harden has averaged 25 points per game on shooting splits of .420/.349/.923.
• Over his last five outings, Harden has compiled averages of 30.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup three times during that stretch.