The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a fairly good spot heading into Game 5 against the LA Clippers on Tuesday night. After stealing Game 1 at home and Game 4 on the road, Denver has regained home-court advantage despite having some poor showings in the series. While every other series sits at 3-1 (or ended in a 4-0 sweep as seen with both the No. 1 seeds) this one has been the most competitive and entertaining series of the first round.

The Nuggets were up 20 points heading into the fourth quarter of Game 4, but the combination of a zone defense from Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue and fatigue to Denver’s starters caused Denver to falter and even give up the lead at one point down the stretch. Thanks to a Sombor Shuffle from Nikola Jokic and a one-of-a-kind buzzer-beating dunk by Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets escaped the Intuit Dome with the series all square.

AARON GORDON FOR THE WIN! pic.twitter.com/50m5jL6KMQ

— Denver Sports 104.3 (@DenSports1043) April 27, 2025

Michael Porter Jr. played his best game of the series, despite his shoulder sprain, and Nikola Jokic put up a 36/21/8 statline as he clocked in another day at the office. There was a large scuffle in the second quarter that had the NBA world wondering if Porter would be suspended for Tuesday’s contest, but the league didn’t make a comment on the situation, signaling that Porter is cleared for play.

However, the Nuggets need Jamal Murray in Game 5. He shot just 5-for-17 in the win on Saturday, and has made just 42% of his field goals this series. If the Nuggets want to advance to the second round, they need their point guard to find his form.

For an in-depth analysis of the series, click here.

How to watch Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Game 5 will be broadcast on TNT and Altitude TV, with the opening tip scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Denver time. It will also be streamed on Altitude+ and MAX.

Odds for Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Spread/Total: Nuggets +2, 208.5

Moneyline: Nuggets +110, Clippers -130

Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double: +105

The number for the under keeps creeping down game-by-game, but it has hit all four times so far, and Tuesday’s line is the lowest it has been all series. Game 4 was the first time that the Nuggets covered the spread in this series, but they still find themselves tied at two games apiece. Jokic was two assists shy of putting up another triple double in Game 4, but he still put up 36 points and 21 rebounds.

Projected starting lineups for Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Nuggets
G: Jamal Murray
G: Christian Braun
F: Michael Porter Jr.
F: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokic

Clippers
G: James Harden
G: Kris Dunn
G: Norman Powell
F: Kawhi Leonard
C: Ivica Zubac

Injury notes/report for Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. is listed as probable for Tuesday’s contest as he continues to battle the shoulder sprain he suffered in Game 2. He had his best game of the series in Game 4, making four 3-pointers, showing that he still provides value to Denver’s attack even if he can’t lift his left arm on defense.

Russell Westbrook missed Game 4 due to foot inflammation after he tweaked his foot heading into Game 3. He is listed as questionable for Game 5. While his minutes in Game 3 weren’t the best before he left, the Nuggets need him out there just to spot the starting five some rest, especially after all five played at least 42 minutes in the win over the weekend.

DaRon Holmes II is also listed on Denver’s injury report, as he is still rehabbing the Achilles tendon he tore back in the NBA Summer League.

Clippers
The Clippers injury report is clean heading into Game 3.

Referees for Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Crew Chief: Josh Tiven (#58)
Referee: Mitchell Ervin (#27)
Umpire: Karl Lane (#77)
Alternate: Brent Barnaky (#36)
Replay Center: JB DeRosa, Rodney Mott

What to watch for in Game 5 of Nuggets-Clippers

Will the Nuggets starting five be able to hold up? Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray currently lead all players in the postseason in terms of minutes played with 169.4 and 168.9, respectively. Christian Braun is 11th and Aaron Gordon is 12th. For the Clippers, James Harden is 13th while Lawful Leonard and Ivica Zubac are 17th and 18th, respectively.

The fatigue showed for Denver in Game 4. With a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter, the starters got tired and let up that massive run that saw the Nuggets losing by a point very late in the game. The issue is, especially if Russell Westbrook can’t give it a go again on Tuesday, who can they use to spot the starting lineup some rest? Vlatko Cancar played two nightmare minutes that showed why he hasn’t been in the rotation so far, DeAndre Jordan gets hunted by James Harden on defense every time, Peyton Watson can’t do anything on the offensive side of the floor, and Jalen Pickett is too small for this matchup.

Meanwhile, the Clippers have three bench players who are able to play at least 15 minutes and not implode, with Ben Simmons being a fourth who can spot some time on the defensive end. Depth is important in the playoffs, and the Nuggets clearly lack it this series.