Best James Harden prop bets for Clippers vs. Nuggets

In the final matchup of the 10-game NBA slate, the Denver Nuggets will travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers. Led by James Harden, the Clippers have been one of the better stories in the NBA and enter this game with a 12-9 record.

While Denver sits at 10-7 on the year, it has not lived up to its usual level of dominance. The Nuggets did get some positive injury news as Aaron Gordon has been upgraded to questionable after missing the past 10 games due to a calf injury. Peyton Watson is also listed as probable with an adductor strain.

For Los Angeles, it also got some positive injury news as Kawhi Leonard has progressed to on-court workouts. He remains out for this matchup, but that is extremely encouraging for the Clippers moving forward. Kevin Porter Jr. is set to miss tonight’s game due to an ankle sprain. Kobe Brown is listed as questionable with a back injury while Norman Powell also has been upgraded to questionable as he works his way back from a hamstring issue that has caused him to miss the past six games.

The Nuggets enter this game as three-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Clippers are +136 underdogs on the moneyline with the game total set at 232.5 points.

James Harden Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook has set Harden’s prop lines for points (21.5), rebounds (5.5), assists (8.5), made three-pointers (2.5) and combined points, rebounds and assists (36.5).

James Harden has stepped into the driver’s seat of the Clippers’ offense and has had success this season. The former MVP is averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 assists and 7.1 rebounds thus far this season. Harden is also attempting 8.1 three-pointers per game, connecting at a 34.1 percent rate.

Denver has struggled defensively this season and ranks 24th in opponents’ points per game. They also rank 21st in defensive efficiency and are 19th in opponents’ field goal percentage.

Harden has flashed his throwback scoring ability in recent games and still has recorded 10+ assists in seven games this season. For this matchup, I like Harden to knock down over 2.5 three-pointers.

So far this season, Harden has made three or more three-pointers in 12 of the 21 games. While he has had some regression in his ability to beat defenders off the dribble and attack the rim, the step-back three-pointer remains an effective go-to move. Harden has attempted at least five three-pointers in every game this season and tallied eight or more long-range shots in 13 of the 21 games. He also has made three or more three-pointers in four consecutive games leading into this matchup.

Denver is holding opponents to 35.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc this season which ranks 13th in the league. However, Harden is unique in his shot selection as the vast majority of his long-range shots are unassisted. Los Angeles needs him to continue delivering in his offensive production. Harden was limited to 1-5 shooting from beyond the arc in the first matchup with the Nuggets, but this took place in Denver.

With the home crowd behind him and Harden playing better basketball of late, expect different results today. Look for the three-time scoring champion to record over 2.5 made three-pointers for the fifth consecutive game and capitalize on the +100 odds.

The Pick: Over 2.5 Made Three-Pointers (+100)

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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.

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