Two teams stuck in unpredictability despite substantial anticipations will have an opportunity to exchange thoughts Monday as the Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Denver Nuggets.

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The Clippers have dropped seven of their last 11 games and have a record of 4-6 since James Harden joined the team following a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, things have significantly improved as Los Angeles has triumphed in four of its last five games, including a 107-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

The defending champion Nuggets secured a 132-120 win at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday but have managed a 3-5 record since Nov. 12. Despite the inconsistent performance, one of the triumphs was against the Clippers with a 111-108 win at home on Nov. 14.

When the Clippers visited Denver two weeks ago, the process of integrating Harden into the team was already well underway. While the night concluded with the team’s fifth straight loss with Harden on the court, Los Angeles seemed to be forming some cohesion.

Indeed, Los Angeles has emerged victorious in four of the last five games, with the only defeat being a 116-106 setback at home on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. In the match against the Mavericks, Paul George tallied 25 points in a comfortable win, with Kawhi Leonard and Harden contributing just eight points each.

Harden has seemed content in a more playmaking role recently. He has amassed a total of 17 assists in the past two games compared to 16 field-goal attempts. He has scored eight points in each of the last two games, shooting a combined 4 of 16 from the field.

“Kawhi and James didn’t have a great (shooting) night, and to beat a good team like (the Mavericks), says a lot,” remarked Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue about the victory over Dallas. “Our bench was really good as well. Defensively, that’s how you’re going to win games … and we showed that.”

The Nuggets received 39 points and 11 rebounds from Nikola Jokic and 25 points from Michael Porter Jr. in their triumph over the Spurs on Sunday. The Nuggets have maintained an unblemished 8-0 record at home, yet they stand at 3-6 on the road after a recent 1-4 trip concluded with a 105-86 loss at Houston on Friday.

Denver head coach Michael Malone had been dissatisfied with the performances from his bench as of late, citing Justin Holiday as the only impressive performer. As a result, Holiday earned his first start on Sunday and contributed five points and three assists in 27 minutes.

The Nuggets have a 5-5 record since Jamal Murray departed due to a right hamstring strain. Prior to Murray’s exit, they held a 6-1 record, and the team has struggled to find its rhythm with a new rotation. Malone mentioned that Murray is “getting closer and closer.”

“That’s the challenge when you have so many young, unproven players coming off the bench,” Malone stated. “But we also have games to win and striking that delicate balance is precarious. However, we need to secure a victory, and I’m going to play the players who will help us achieve that.”

Persistent injuries have accumulated for the Nuggets, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle), Aaron Gordon (heel), Reggie Jackson (back), and Jokic (back) listed as likely to play before facing the Spurs. All but Gordon ended up participating.

Jackson, preparing to face his former team, registered 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.