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Clippers vs Nuggets 2025 Game 4 Preview: Trying to Widen the Lead
The Clippers are up 2-1 against the Nuggets after a rousing Game 3 victory, and can move their lead to a very advantageous 3-1 with another win at home.
Game
Information
Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
When: 3:00 PM PT
How to Watch: TNT, FanDuel Sports SoCal, AM 570
Projected
Starting Lineups
Nuggets: Jamal Murray – Christian Braun – Michael Porter Jr. – Aaron Gordon – Nikola Jokic
Clippers: James Harden – Norm Powell – Kris Dunn – Kawhi Leonard – Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Nuggets: Da’Ron Holmes Out (Achilles), Michael Porter Jr. Questionable (Shoulder), Russell Westbrook Probable (Foot)
Clippers: None
Notes
The Ageless Nic Batum: Nic Batum was not the Clippers’ “best” player in Game 3, but he was my player of the game. He made four of his six threes for 12 points, added five rebounds and two assists, and led the Clippers with three blocks. His combination of shooting, size, defense, and connective play is always outstanding, but his defense was particularly impressive in Game 3, and it seemed like every shot he hit was a huge one. The Clippers were +23 in his 27 minutes, and I’d imagine he continues to see minutes totals in that realm (or higher) for the rest of the series. It’s incredible that a role player of Nic Batum’s age (36.5) can still be such a difference maker on both ends, and I just marvel at his blocks and no-dip threes. Tres bien!
Norm’s Decision-Making: Norm Powell had by far his best game of the playoffs so far in Game 3, scoring 20 points on 7-12 shooting while making three threes and three free throws. However, I knew he would make his shots sooner or later. What was really encouraging about his performance was his overall floor game. He was patient and yet decisive when getting the ball in the short roll and attacking double teams – making his way to his spots while also delivering the right passes at the right times. His three assists to zero turnovers mark bears that out, and I also thought his defense was better than it had been in the first couple games. The Clippers won’t need him to score 20 every game, but the overall play they got from Norm is necessary for them to elevate their game on the offensive end.
Ben Simmons Holding Up: Ben Simmons is not playing much, but his ability to give Ivica Zubac 8-10 minutes of rest per game has been extremely valuable. Moreover, the Clippers are actually winning his minutes! Everyone thought that the non-Zu minutes would be a huge issue in this series (and in the playoffs in general) but that has simply not been the case so far. Ben’s quickness out on the perimeter has enabled him to hedge and recover effectively on the Murray-Jokic pick and roll, and he’s even held up at least to an acceptable level when Jokic tries to go at him one-on-one. Ben has provided very little offense, as he’s shared most of his minutes with James Harden and mostly just operated as a release valve, but his additional ballhandling has been useful at the least. If Ben can continue to serve his role in stemming the Jokic tide and giving Zu a breather, the Clippers will stand a much better chance at winning the series.
Clippers vs Nuggets 2025 Game 4 Preview: Trying to Widen the Lead
Robert Flom