Clippers vs. Nuggets First Round Preview: Depth Over Dominance
The 2025 NBA Playoffs bring us a heavyweight clash in the first round as the defending champion Denver Nuggets take on the reloaded Los Angeles Clippers. On the surface, Denver boasts the best player in the world in Nikola Jokic, but if we’ve learned anything from past postseason wars—it takes more than one superstar to survive.
Jokic is Great… But Is That Enough?
There’s no denying Nikola Jokic is a generational talent. The offense runs through him, he sees the floor like a guard, and he’s the most unguardable big man in basketball. But he can’t do it alone.
The Nuggets enter this series fresh off a surprising late-season coaching change, firing longtime head coach Michael Malone. That kind of disruption doesn’t usually bode well, especially with the playoffs around the corner.
For Denver to advance, they’ll need Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to be at their absolute best—consistently. If either one falters, the burden on Jokic becomes far too heavy.
The Clippers Are Built for This
On the other side, the Clippers come in looking like the deeper and more complete team. While Kawhi Leonard is still the defensive anchor and late-game assassin, James Harden’s playmaking has brought a new dimension to their offense.
Big man Ivica Zubac will be tasked with the brutal job of defending Jokic, but his size and strength give the Clippers at least a fighting chance. Add in Norman Powell as a consistent scoring threat and Terance Mann as a defensive stopper, and this Clippers roster is simply better equipped for a seven-game series.
Why Depth Matters in This Series
The biggest difference in this matchup is depth. Denver’s bench has been inconsistent all season. LA, on the other hand, has a steady second unit and multiple guys who can swing a game. The ability to weather cold shooting stretches or foul trouble is exactly what could tilt the series in the Clippers’ favor.
And with Denver being overly reliant on Jokic, any off night could spell disaster.
Prediction: Clippers in 7
This series has all the makings of a classic. It’s Jokic’s brilliance versus LA’s balance. The Nuggets might have the best player, but the Clippers have the stronger team from top to bottom. With playoff-tested stars, solid defense, and bench depth, Los Angeles has the edge when it matters most.
Prediction: Clippers in 7.
Tip for Bettors:
Don’t overlook depth and coaching changes. The Clippers may not have the MVP, but in the playoffs, it’s about the whole roster, not just the headline names.