The opening round clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers was everything fans could’ve hoped for. Gritty, explosive, and neck-and-neck till the final whistle.
Now, with Game 2 around the corner at Ball Arena, the tension is back in the air. Denver took the first punch in the series, but the Clippers didn’t exactly roll over either. It’s about to get wild in the Rockies, again.
Nuggets Slightly Banged Up, Clippers at Full Strength
Heading into Game 2, the Denver Nuggets are dealing with a slight hiccup in the form of forward Aaron Gordon. Gordon is officially listed as probable due to a nagging calf issue but is expected to suit up unless there’s a late setback.
DaRon Holmes II, meanwhile, remains out for the season with an Achilles injury, though his absence hasn’t impacted Denver’s frontcourt rotation.
As for the Los Angeles Clippers? No injuries. That’s right. Zero. This is the first time in what feels like forever that the team isn’t limping into a playoff series. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac are all good to go, which makes the Clippers dangerous, especially when healthy and clicking.
Predicted Lineups and Key Matchups to Watch
Here’s what the projected starters are shaping up to be for Game 2:
Denver Nuggets Starting Five
- PG – Jamal Murray
- SG – Christian Braun
- SF – Michael Porter Jr.
- PF – Aaron Gordon
- C – Nikola Jokić
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Five
- PG – James Harden
- SG – Kris Dunn
- SF – Norman Powell
- PF – Kawhi Leonard
- C – Ivica Zubac
The Jokić vs. Zubac battle in the paint was one to watch last time around, and that storyline’s rolling into Game 2. Zubac held his own with 21 points and 13 boards, but the Nuggets kept the Serbian maestro involved in just about every offensive set. Jokić came within one rebound of a triple-double and will look to anchor the Nuggets once again with that MVP energy.
The wild card here is James Harden. If the Clippers want to flip the narrative, Harden will have to keep up his 30+ point form while also cutting down on turnovers. Something that burned them in the opener. Leonard’s got to tighten up his handles, too, after coughing the ball up seven times.
And keep your eyes on Christian Braun. The Nuggets guard brings grit and dogged defense, and if he can make Harden’s night just a little more uncomfortable, Denver may just pull away late again.
Game 2 promises another classic. The Nuggets are leaning on chemistry and championship DNA. The Clippers are banking on star power and their clean bill of health. It’s all set up for another Western Conference banger. Tip-off’s locked for 8:30 p.m. local time—and if Game 1 was any preview, you won’t want to blink.