Best first-round NBA playoff matchups
The For The Hoops crew discuss the most exciting first-round NBA playoff series, including Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Rockets vs. Warriors.
The No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets and No. 5 seed Los Angeles Clippers play on Thursday, May 1, in Game 6 of their first-round 2025 NBA playoffs series.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Pacific time (10 p.m. Eastern time) and can be seen on TNT (stream with Sling TV).
Who will win the NBA playoff game?
Check out these NBA playoffs picks and predictions for the Western Conference matchup.
The Clippers are a 6.5-point favorite over the Nuggets in NBA playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Los Angeles is -275 on the moneyline. Denver is +220. The over/under for the game is set at 211.5 points.
The Nuggets lead the series, 3-2.
NBA playoffs series picks, predictions, odds: Cavaliers vs Heat | Celtics vs Magic | Knicks vs Pistons | Pacers vs Bucks | Thunder vs Grizzlies | Rockets vs Warriors | Lakers vs Timberwolves | Nuggets vs Clippers | NBA championship odds | Game odds | NBA playoff bracket
Watch Clippers vs Nuggets game on Sling TV
ESPN: Clippers have a 53.8% chance to beat Nuggets in Game 6
The site gives Denver a 46.2% shot at defeating Los Angeles in the sixth game of the NBA playoffs series.
NBA playoffs series schedules, TV channels: Heat vs Cavaliers | Magic vs Celtics | Pistons vs Knicks | Bucks vs Pacers | Grizzlies vs Thunder | Warriors vs Rockets | Timberwolves vs Lakers | Clippers vs Nuggets | Daily schedule | First-round matchups
The site’s formula predicts that Los Angeles will defeat Denver in Game 6 of the NBA postseason series.
NBA playoffs game picks, predictions, odds: Cavaliers vs Heat | Celtics vs Magic | Knicks vs Pistons | Pacers vs Bucks | Thunder vs Grizzlies | Rockets vs Warriors | Lakers vs Timberwolves | Nuggets vs Clippers | Betting: Point spreads, moneylines, over/unders
Dimers: Clippers 109, Nuggets 103
It writes: “After extensive simulations, our model gives the Nuggets a win probability of 30%, while the Clippers have a win probability of 70%.”
The Playoffs: Bet the Nuggets with the points vs Clippers in Game 6
It writes: “The Clippers will be itching to tie things up in Game 6 on their home floor. They have won by 34 points in Game 3 here, a game which can become an inspiration as they take on the improved Denver squad. On the other hand, Denver’s role players are stepping up their game, which is bad news for LA. Overall, I do think LA is the favorite here, but I believe Denver will cover the spread here.”
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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