The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets are locked in a 2-2 battle as their playoff series shifts back to Colorado for a crucial Game 5 showdown Tuesday night.
The Clippers enter as slight 2-point road favorites according to BetOnline, despite the series momentum swinging dramatically after Denver’s stunning last-second victory on Saturday.
The game tips off at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT.
Aaron Gordon delivered what might be the most memorable moment of the playoffs so far – the first walk-off dunk in NBA playoff history – to even the series and give Denver new life after dropping two straight games.
“It’s like another four, five seeding series,” said Kawhi Leonard, who led the Clippers with 24 points in Game 4. “You usually get some tough battles in these seedings.”
The series now essentially becomes a best-of-three, with Denver holding home-court advantage.
Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of dominant, leading the Nuggets in points (28.5), rebounds (13.5), and assists (10.8) through four games.
Michael Porter Jr. continues playing through a left shoulder injury that’s limited him to just 10.5 points per game. He’s listed as probable for Game 5.
The Nuggets might get a boost from their bench as Russell Westbrook, who missed Game 4 with a foot injury, participated in Monday’s walk-through practice. He’s currently listed as questionable.
The Clippers have no reported injuries heading into the pivotal matchup.
Los Angeles has been decent on the road this season with a 21-22 record away from home, including their Game 2 victory in Denver earlier in this series.
Recent history suggests this game could be pivotal. Twice in the last seven seasons, the Nuggets were tied 2-2, won Game 5, but then lost Game 7 at home – against Portland in 2019 and Minnesota last year.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives Denver a slight edge with a 56.5% chance of winning Tuesday night.
The Nuggets have dominated this matchup recently, going 9-2 in their last 11 Tuesday games and winning 12 of the last 18 meetings with the Clippers overall.
For fans looking to catch the action, the game will be available to stream free through Jazz Sports.
