Regarding overall position and team-based matchups, the LA Clippers are at an advantage against the Denver Nuggets. They have the better guard, James Harden, the better forward, Kawhi Leonard, and the better defenders, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Nicolas Batum.
However, the Clippers are disadvantaged at center, as the Nuggets employ the toughest cover in the NBA: Nikola Jokic. He is almost seven feet tall and has developed a skillset that prioritizes skill over talent.
Furthermore, Jokic’s finishing, floater package, three-point jumper, and passing have crushed the Clippers. In fact, he averaged 24.4 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in a 3-1 comeback over LA during ‘The Bubble.’
On the contrary, the Clippers have star center Ivica Zubac at the pinnacle of his professional career to counter Jokic. This head-to-head faceoff between the overseas big men will inevitably make the national headlines.
Zubac will thrive confidently at center in the first round, but Jokic and the Nuggets benefit significantly because the Clippers only have one competent force. This unaddressed deadline error will hurt their odds of advancing.
Moreover, head coach Tyronn Lue could use Zubac for 40 minutes per game, but the weakness of this strategy is that he will be prone to foul trouble. This would make the cookie crumble as they oppose the most unique superstar in the game.
The Clippers’ center depth will cause Ivica Zubac to guard Nikola Jokic less aggressively than he may want to
As going small against the Denver Nuggets will lead to a chaotic, lopsided scoreboard, their two replacement options on the bench are Ben Simmons and Drew Eubanks. They are both playable but maintain flaws and will not be as reliable as Ivica Zubac defending Nikola Jokic.
This means Tyronn Lue will specifically direct Zubac to refrain from fouling by contesting vertically, not reaching for steals, and avoiding unnecessary contact. The Croatian Star only has six strikes before he is removed from competing.
Conversely, the Nuggets may use this feature against the LA Clippers by going to Jokic as much as possible to post up in the painted area. He would inevitably receive his version of the ‘superstar whistle’ by drawing contact, forcing Lue to bench his defensive anchor.
That said, Zubac will have his work cut out for him, but if he plays clean defense and follows instructions, he will likely match the minutes Jokic plays to prevent switches onto Simmons or Eubanks.