Denver vs. Los Angeles

This is a tough Game 1 matchup for a finesse Denver squad against a physical Clippers team. Denver is third-worst in the postseason defensively in field goal shooting allowed (49.5%) and #11 in points surrendered. During the regular season, they were #15 in FG defense and #17 at defending beyond the arc. Denver is off an emotional comeback, the 12th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit and win a playoff series. The Nuggets are also 22-36 ATS away from home against teams that average 23+ assists per game. No. 2 seeded Los Angeles dispatched Dallas in six games. During the regular season, the Clippers were fifth at defending the three-pointer, third in field goal shooting defense, and #13 in points allowed. Los Angeles is 37-28 ATS versus opponents who average 106+ points per game, as well as 21-11 ATS against teams that commit 14 or fewer turnovers per contest. And the Clippers beat the Nuggets 124-111 three weeks ago, shooting 54% while winning the rebounding battle. Play Los Angeles.