The stage is set for Game 7 of the NBA playoffs between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets this Saturday. Following a crucial Game 6 victory, the Clippers have pushed the series to this decisive moment.

As these two teams prepare to clash, the focus is all about who can maintain their composure in a high-pressure situation. Conventional wisdom suggests that home teams are favored to win in Game 7 scenarios; indeed, approximately 80% of Game 7s have historically gone to the home team. However, recent stats reveal a shift, with road teams winning eight out of twelve Game 7s since the Orlando bubble.

I believe the Clippers hold the edge based on their performance throughout the series. They were the better-scoring team and can present multiple defensive challenges for the Nuggets.

Picks

Clippers +1.5: Bet on the Clippers due to their marginal scoring superiority. Under 206: Game 7s typically result in lower scores, and the last 23 Game 7s averaged around 198 total points. Jokić Over 12.5 Rebounds: With teams missing shots frequently, I predict Nikola Jokić will have many opportunities to accumulate rebounds, having not recorded less than 13 rebounds in any of his five prior Game 7s.

Additional Picks

• Jokić has averaged 16.6 rebounds in his Game 7 experiences, showing he rises to the occasion when stakes are highest.