2026-10-14 · 9:30 PM CT · Preseason
Denver Nuggets54-28
LA Clippers42-40ESPN standings data retrieved October 6, 2026. NBA comparisons use the completed 2025–26 regular season. Each upcoming fixture labels preseason or regular-season status.
Denver Nuggets2025–26 regular season
| Measure | Season average | League rank |
|---|---|---|
| STANDARD STATS | ||
| Points / game | 122.1 | 1 / 30 |
| Rebounds / game | 44.0 | 14 / 30 |
| Assists / game | 29.0 | 4 / 30 |
| Turnovers / game | 12.2 | 3 / 30 |
| Steals / game | 6.8 | 30 / 30 |
| Blocks / game | 4.0 | 28 / 30 |
| FG% | 49.6% | 2 / 30 |
| 3PT% | 39.6% | 1 / 30 |
| FT% | 80.8% | 5 / 30 |
| THE LAB MEASURES | ||
| eFG% | 57.7% | 1 / 30 |
| Turnover rate | 10.9% | 3 / 30 |
| Offensive rebound rate | — | — |
| Free-throw pressure | 0.294 | 4 / 30 |
LA Clippers2025–26 regular season
| Measure | Season average | League rank |
|---|---|---|
| STANDARD STATS | ||
| Points / game | 113.8 | 24 / 30 |
| Rebounds / game | 40.6 | 29 / 30 |
| Assists / game | 23.7 | 30 / 30 |
| Turnovers / game | 13.5 | 13 / 30 |
| Steals / game | 9.0 | 7 / 30 |
| Blocks / game | 4.9 | 14 / 30 |
| FG% | 48.4% | 4 / 30 |
| 3PT% | 36.8% | 7 / 30 |
| FT% | 82.3% | 1 / 30 |
| THE LAB MEASURES | ||
| eFG% | 55.9% | 8 / 30 |
| Turnover rate | 12.5% | 19 / 30 |
| Offensive rebound rate | — | — |
| Free-throw pressure | 0.295 | 3 / 30 |
ESPN team totals and game box scores checked October 6. NBA season averages and ranks use 2025–26; preseason game results are shown separately. Ranks are within the league, with ties sharing a rank; a lower turnover rate is better. Season offensive rebound rate needs opponent defensive-rebound totals, which this feed does not supply. A dash means unavailable. This game’s offensive rebound rate uses the opponent’s actual rebounds.
eFG% gives a made three its extra value. Turnover rate estimates the share of plays lost before a shot. Offensive rebound rate is the share of available offensive rebounds collected. Free-throw pressure is FTA/FGA. The calculations are (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM)/FGA; TOV/(FGA + 0.44 × FTA + TOV); OREB/(OREB + opponent DREB); and FTA/FGA.
This is preseason. Use the team numbers as background and watch how the new lineups play together. No spread or Lab win probability is published for this game.
Last season 54-28 | 3rd in the West | First-round loss to Minnesota, 4-2
2025-26 efficiency 121.2 offense | 116.0 defense | +5.2 net per 100 possessions
Denver finished third at 54-28 and lost to Minnesota in six games in the first round. Its 121.2 offensive rating was the league's best. A defense allowing 116.0 points per 100 possessions, ranked 21st, explains why that advantage did not make the Nuggets a complete contender. Nikola Jokic could create a good shot without making the next defensive possession a good one.
The front office added DeMar DeRozan, Marvin Bagley III and Alpha Diallo while losing Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. DeRozan can organize scoring possessions when Jokic rests. Diallo provides a possible defensive answer on the wing. Neither addition removes the importance of Aaron Gordon, whose 36-game season left Denver short of its most useful defensive forward for long stretches.
The unresolved concern is how the supporting cast generates enough stops without sacrificing the offense. Watson's departure makes that assignment harder. Bagley is another option behind Jokic, but does not establish a proven defensive bench. DeRozan helps with shot creation in an area that was already strong. Management still has to demonstrate that the tradeoff produces better lineups rather than simply a different scoring distribution.
Projected finish is sixth in the West. Jokic and Jamal Murray keep Denver in the direct-playoff group, but we do not credit a meaningful defensive improvement before seeing it. Better Gordon availability could move the Nuggets above that forecast. The case for a title still depends on the possessions their offense cannot rescue.
Last season 42-40 | 9th in the West | Play-In exit, missed playoffs
2025-26 efficiency 116.3 offense | 115.2 defense | +1.1 net per 100 possessions
The Clippers finished ninth at 42-40 and exited the Play-In. Their full-season numbers now describe a roster that barely exists. James Harden and Ivica Zubac left during the season, and Kawhi Leonard departed for Toronto this summer. Leonard's on-court units substantially outperformed the minutes without him, so removing him requires more than moving the scoring column to another name.
Lawrence Frank's new group centers on Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram, with Max Strus, Rui Hachimura and Gradey Dick providing perimeter options. Rookie Keaton Wagler adds a development piece. Ingram arrives after an All-Star season, but heel surgery and a partially torn Achilles will keep him out at the start. That immediately leaves Garland with a larger offensive responsibility.
The unresolved problem is a dependable two-way foundation. Garland can run a good offense and Strus can provide movement shooting, but the roster no longer has Leonard's ability to make difficult defensive assignments manageable. The frontcourt also lacks the certainty Zubac supplied. Frank has acquired younger talent and assets, yet the opening lineup still needs a credible plan for the possessions its intended centerpiece cannot play.
Projected finish is 14th in the West. We are not treating last year's positive net rating as a current strength after so much of its production left. Ingram returning effectively could improve the second half. Reaching the Play-In would require that improvement and a stronger defensive response than this roster has established.
A matching published game video is not available in the verified archive yet.
