Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for April 4 | 2023-24 NBA Season
At Crypto.com Arena, the final game of the season series between the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers will take place. Currently, the Nuggets are leading the series 2-1, but in their previous encounter on December 6, 2023, the Clippers emerged victorious with a score of 111-102. At that time, the Clippers were performing exceptionally well, but they are currently facing challenges. On the other hand, the Nuggets continue to display consistent performance.
The Clippers have a 10-8 record since March and are heading into Thursday’s game. However, they have struggled to find consistency in their performance. In fact, they recently suffered a 109-95 defeat while Kawhi Leonard was out of the lineup. Unfortunately, Leonard will also be absent for the upcoming game on Thursday.
At the same time, the Nuggets have recorded a 12-4 record since March and have recently achieved consecutive victories. As they prepare to face the Clippers, they are considered the favored team.
Updated Injury Reports for Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers Ahead of Apr. 4 Game
Injury Report: Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are still missing Vlatko Cancar (knee) and it is unlikely that Zeke Nnaji (adductor) will be able to play, despite being listed as doubtful. However, Aaron Gordon (foot) and Nikola Jokic (hip/wrist) are expected to play as they are probable. Jamal Murray (ankle) is currently questionable and his availability will be determined closer to game time.
Updates on LA Clippers’ Injured Players
The absence of Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Joshua Prime (ankle) will be felt by the Clippers.
Projected Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers on Apr. 4
Denver Nuggets Starting Five
If Jamal Murray is able to return, the Nuggets can utilize their strongest starting lineup. This would include Murray at point guard alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, with Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic filling out the rest of the frontcourt. However, if Murray is unable to play, Reggie Jackson will remain the starting point guard.
| Point guards | Jamal Murray* | Reggie Jackson | Collin Gillespie |
| Shooting guards | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Christian Braun | Julian Strawther |
| Small forwards | Michael Porter Jr. | Justin Holiday | |
| Power forwards | Aaron Gordon | Peyton Watson | Braxton Key |
| Centers | Nikola Jokic | DeAndre Jordan | Jay Huff |
LA Clippers Starting Five
The Clippers are expected to keep their starting lineup unchanged from their last game. James Harden played as the point guard, Terance Mann was in the shooting guard position, and Norman Powell, Paul George, and Ivica Zubac made up the rest of the frontcourt.
| Point guards | James Harden | Russell Westbrook | Bones Hyland |
| Shooting guards | Terance Mann | Brandon Boston Jr. | Xavier Moon |
| Small forwards | Norman Powell | Amir Coffey | |
| Power forwards | Paul George | PJ Tucker | Kobe Brown |
| Centers | Ivica Zubac | Mason Plumlee | Daniel Theis |
Top Matchups to Watch: Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers
Clippers coach Ty Lue is renowned for strategically capitalizing on matchup advantages against their opponents. In the absence of Kawhi Leonard, he will rely on this tactic on both the offensive and defensive ends. A crucial matchup to watch out for will be Ivica Zubac guarding Nikola Jokic.
The Clippers could opt to have Zubac defend Jokic in a one-on-one battle, as he was able to contain the two-time MVP in their previous meeting. This strategy enabled the Clippers to effectively defend the other four players.
One potential advantage for the Clippers could be exploiting the matchups between Paul George and either Jamal Murray or Reggie Jackson. Both Murray and Jackson are considered weaker defenders on the perimeter for the Nuggets. Given his size advantage, George could target them as his primary opponents and establish a strong performance in the absence of Leonard.
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