Play: James Harden o15.5 Points (-125 DraftKings)

In an enticing Thursday night matchup, the Denver Nuggets are set to clash with the Los Angeles Clippers in what promises to be a thrilling showdown on the hardwood. As basketball enthusiasts gear up for the highly anticipated game, all eyes will be on James Harden, whose standout performance could prove pivotal in determining the outcome.

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, Harden steps into the spotlight as a key offensive force for the Clippers. In games where either Kawhi or Paul George is absent, Harden has demonstrated a remarkable ability to elevate his game, capitalizing on increased usage to deliver impressive scoring performances. On average, he sees a notable 3.6% uptick in usage and boasts an impressive 20+ points per 36 minutes.

Harden's scoring prowess has been on full display throughout the season, particularly in matchups where he takes on a more prominent role in the absence of key teammates. In fact, he has gone over the 15.5-point mark in an impressive 9 out of 12 games when either Kawhi or Paul George is sidelined. This season, he has maintained a solid 65% hit rate when attempting 10 or more field goals, underscoring his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Moreover, Harden's track record against the Denver Nuggets further solidifies his status as a scoring threat in Thursday night's matchup. Despite facing a formidable Nuggets defense, Harden has managed to eclipse the 15-point mark in each of the three meetings between the two teams this season, even with Kawhi and Paul George on the floor.

With the absence of Kawhi Leonard creating additional scoring opportunities for Harden, the stage is set for the star guard to shine against the Nuggets. As he looks to lead the Clippers to victory, bettors should consider backing Harden to surpass the 15.5-point threshold and make a significant impact on the outcome of Thursday's matchup.

As basketball enthusiasts eagerly await tip-off, all signs point to James Harden emerging as a pivotal figure in Thursday night's clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. With his scoring prowess and ability to thrive in the absence of key teammates, Harden is poised to deliver a standout performance and propel the Clippers to victory at home.