Nuggets to face Clippers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs
By: Max Friedl
The No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets will take on the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 19.
Nuggets Notes:
The Nuggets enter the playoffs with serious championship DNA, finishing 4th in the West (50-32) and boasts arguably the world’s best player in Nikola Jokić. This will be the team’s first playoff series without head coach Michael Malone in six years, who was fired with three games left of the regular season.
The firing, which also included General Manager Calvin Booth, came amid reported tension over the team’s direction and locker room dynamics, logging the second-latest coaching change in NBA history (1980 Hawks). Now, former Assistant GM David Adelman is steering the ship as interim head coach, thrown into the fire for his first playoff run at the helm.
Despite the front office drama, Denver remains dangerous. Jokić continues to defy logic with his brilliance, coming into the playoffs averaging a triple double and is an active candidate in the MVP race. Jamal Murray is healthy and ready to reprise his role as postseason shotmaker. Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun round out a pace-driven starting five.
Despite the late-season coaching change, they won their last three games of the season against three playoff teams. So while the organization’s dealing with inside chaos, the Nuggets are built for the playoffs. They’ve been here before, and they know how to win tough games.
Clippers Notes:
The Los Angeles Clippers avoided the Play-In tournament, going 15-2 to end the season, but that doesn’t mean their playoff journey is without question. Headlined by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers have had just one Conference Finals appearance in the five years that Leonard has been with the team.
Leonard is expected to play in Game one after missing some time down the stretch from a knee injury. Leonard’s ability to stifle opponents on defense matched with his 81/50/41 shooting splits over the 37 games he's played will be crucial in this series. Ivica Zubac has also been a major contributor for the Clips, averaging 16 points and 12 boards per night.
With Leonard and Harden both nearing free agency, this season may represent the final shot for the current core to make a legitimate run at a title. The Clippers’ identity has shifted to a more balanced, scrappier unit that relies on a mix of veteran experience and youthful energy.
The Matchup
The matchup is a battle of strengths. Kawhi and Jokic, Murray and Harden, two deep rosters competing. Denver being top-5 offensively and LA being top-5 defensively, the affair should be a competitive one in the first round.
MTSR Picks
Max:
Nuggets in 6. The Nuggets come into this playoff series mostly healthy, but a major concern is with their front office and coaching. The Nuggets have what it takes on the back of Nikola Jokić to cleanly avoid the Clippers in the first round.
Xavier:
Nuggets in 5. Everyone should be healthy for Denver and should have no problem getting past the Clippers.
Baylan:
Nuggets in 5. Denver matches up well against the Clippers. Games will be close but the Nuggets should be able to control the pace of the series.
Colby:
Nuggets in 6. Although I think the Clippers are a legit playoff team, the Nuggets are going to fend them off with the help of playoff Murray.
Game one will tipoff on Saturday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. MT at Ball Arena.