Clippers Facing Tall Odds With Top Stars Questionable When They Visit Nuggets

Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers — Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are doubtful for the Clippers when they face the Nuggets on Thursday, Jan. 5. David Berding/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

The Nuggets are likely to bounce back from a previous loss when they host the Clippers
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are listed as questionable due to respective injuries
The Clippers are staring at a potential fourth-straight loss when they face the Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets will host an undermanned Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, January 5 at the Ball Arena in a huge Western Conference matchup.

Both teams are coming off losses although the Clippers are in a worse situation having dropped three games in a row.

The task of stopping that skid for the Clips will not be easy with Paul George (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (illness) listed as questionable.

The Clippers lost to the Miami Heat in their last outing, 100-110.

In that game, George led the way for the Clippers with 25 points and seven assists.

The only player who managed to aid him was Marcus Morris Sr.. who finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, Leonard did not play in that game.

The Clippers are scoring just 109.5 points per 100 possessions, the third-worst offensive rating in the NBA.

On defense, they are giving up 109.4 points per 100 possessions on 45.7% shooting from the field.

For the Nuggets, Denver lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last assignment, 111-124.

Nikola Jokic led the losing cause with 24 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, while Michael Porter Jr. and Nah'Shon Hyland chipped in 18 points apiece.

Denver is scoring 117.3 points per 100 possessions which is second in the NBA.

Defensively, however, they are giving up 115.4 points.

After failing to stretch their winning run to three despite being 4.5-point road favorites against the T-Wolves, head coach Mike Malone is expected to address the sloppy outing and come out with a better showing at the Ball Center on Thursday.

"What I saw was just a team that was more urgent, was more desperate and wanted it more," Denver head coach Mike Malone said. "Usually that team is going to win the game. Disappointing. Great win last night (123-111 over Boston), but who cares. You just gave it right back tonight."

With George and Leonard questionable against the hosting Nuggets, Denver holds a -4.5 spread over the Clippers, who are at +4.5.

The Moneyline is -195 for the Nuggets and +163 for the Clippers.

The game is set to start at 10:00 PM ET with a telecast over TNT and BSSC along with a live-stream via NBA League Pass.