The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will face off in Game 6 of their first-round series at Intuit Dome on Thursday night, with the Nuggets aiming to close out the series. A positive development for both teams is the nearly clean injury report: Denver’s Daron Holmes II, who has been sidelined since the Summer League with a torn Achilles, is the only player listed, meaning both teams will essentially be operating at full strength.
Clippers Vs. Nuggets Game 6 Preview
The series has been a tale of shifting momentum. After a dominant 117-83 victory in Game 3, which gave the Clippers a 2-1 lead, Los Angeles appeared to be in control. However, the Nuggets have since rallied, fueled by Aaron Gordon’s game-winning putback in Game 4 and Jamal Murray’s outstanding performance in Game 5. Any concerns about injuries to Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook for Denver seem to have subsided.
Despite Denver’s recent surge, the Clippers possess the talent to extend the series. Los Angeles concluded the regular season with an impressive 18-3 record and won the first two of three games in this series. While their defense faltered in Game 5, the Clippers boast an elite defensive capability.
To force a Game 7, Los Angeles will need to rediscover its defensive form and receive a stronger performance from James Harden. In the pivotal Game 5, Harden recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four turnovers, shooting just 3-of-9 from the field and 0-for-2 from three-point range. Such production will be insufficient for the Clippers to keep their season alive.
Game 6 is scheduled to tip off in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. PST.