Clippers Seek Offensive Spark with Leonard's Return, Nuggets Face Uphill Battle
Clippers vs Nuggets: Kawhi Leonard Returns for Key Showdown Against Jokic-less Denver
The Los Angeles Clippers (20-16) travel to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets (20-15) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in a crucial Western Conference clash. This matchup is one of the season’s most exciting as two of the NBA’s elite teams with contrasting styles battle it out.
In their last encounter on December 13, 2024, the Nuggets dominated the Clippers with a commanding 120-98 win, covering the spread as a seven-point favorite. With both teams sporting near-identical records, the stakes are high as they continue to jockey for playoff position.
Clippers Look for Offensive Boost with Leonard’s Return
Despite being without the full force of Kawhi Leonard for most of the season, the Clippers have remained competitive in the West, currently holding the seventh spot in the standings. At 20-16, they have a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, and despite offensive struggles at times, their defense has been their backbone.
The Clippers are holding opponents to just 107.9 points per game, ranking 5th in the NBA defensively. They’ve limited opponents to 45.9% shooting (11th), and their 4th-ranked defense in the West has been particularly effective at closing out shooters and preventing high-percentage shots inside.
Norman Powell has been the team’s offensive leader, averaging 23.5 points per game, followed closely by James Harden with 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. As the Clippers look to cement their spot in the playoff race, the addition of Kawhi Leonard could elevate their chances. Leonard has only played two games this season but has shown glimpses of his elite scoring ability, averaging 10 points per game in those appearances.
Offensively, the Clippers are shooting 46.6% from the field, ranked 13th in the NBA, and they rank 14th in total rebounds (44.2 per game). However, their assists are down (25th in the league), and they struggle to generate fast breaks (29th in steals). As Leonard continues to ramp up, the Clippers hope he can provide the scoring and playmaking needed to keep pace with one of the West’s highest-scoring teams.
Nuggets Struggle Without Jokic: Can They Bounce Back?
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets are facing challenges of their own, coming off a 118-106 loss to the Boston Celtics on January 6, where they played without their MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who was sidelined due to illness. With a 20-15 record, the Nuggets are still a potent force, led by Jokic, who ranks second in the NBA with 31.5 points per game. However, the Nuggets’ offensive dynamism has been hindered without him.
The Nuggets are currently averaging 117.5 points allowed per game, ranking 24th in the league, and their defense has been inconsistent throughout the season. Despite their 4th-ranked 3-point shooting percentage (37.9%), they have not been able to match their offensive efficiency with solid defense. With Jokic’s absence, Denver’s defense struggles to stop ball movement, and their lack of rim protection has been evident.
In the loss to Boston, Russell Westbrook led the charge with 26 points, while the bench stepped up with Julian Strawther contributing 19 points and Peyton Watson adding 14 points. However, these efforts weren’t enough to stave off a Celtics team that capitalized on the Nuggets’ defensive vulnerabilities.
As the Nuggets look to bounce back, much of their success will depend on their ability to stay efficient on offense while shoring up their defense. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray will need to step up as offensive catalysts in Jokic’s absence, and they will have to lean on their solid 3-point shooting to stretch the Clippers’ defense.
Conclusion
This game is more than just another regular-season matchup—it’s a battle between two teams with title aspirations that are still working through various obstacles. The Clippers will rely on their defense and the potential for Kawhi Leonard’s resurgence, while the Nuggets will need their other stars to step up in Jokic’s absence.
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