The Nuggets and Clippers played an epic Game 1 on Saturday afternoon with both teams looking like they had wrapped up the victory multiple times before needing overtime to ultimately decide the winner. The Nuggets took a 1-0 series lead with their 112-110 triumph and will look to go up 2-0 with another win on Monday night while the Clippers look to level the series before heading home to Los Angeles. Denver’s Ball Arena will be hyped and ready to go for Monday’s 10:00 p.m. ET tip-off, so let’s take a look at my Clippers vs. Nuggets best bets for Game 1 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
In the bigger picture, the Clippers are slim one-point road favorites with the total set at O/U 217.5 points. The only major name on the injury report is Aaron Gordon (calf), who is listed as probable, leaving both teams ready with their normal rotations for Game 2.
Clippers vs. Nuggets best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Under 217.5 Total Points (-110)
The over/under stats for both teams during the regular season don’t apply as much during the postseason when both teams step up their defense. In Game 1, regulation ended with a tie score of 98-98 for a 196 total score. Even though the game went over with the extra frame, it definitely was played with a pace and intensity that would have resulted in an under in normal circumstances.
The Clippers have been one of the best defensive teams all season, and the Nuggets have leaned that way much more heavily since replacing Michael Malone with David Adelman.
Slower, smarter plays and maximizing possessions pays off in the playoffs, so look for a more deliberate tempo again on Monday night. The under has gone 37-17 in the last 54 head-to-head matchups between these teams, and getting it at 217.5 when last game was just 196 at the end of regulation is a good value in my Clippers vs. Nuggets best bets for Monday night.
Here’s how the public is leaning, according to our betting splits page, but I[m going against the trend and taking the under.
Michael Porter Jr. under 19.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-115)
I don’t normally like to be a hater and ride the unders, but in this game, it just feels like the best options. The defensive shift for the Nuggets meant more Russell Westbrook and less Michael Porter Jr. in Game 1.
MPJ still played 26 minutes but had just three points, four rebounds and no assists for just seven PRA (Points + Rebounds + Assists). He regularly hit for over this number in the closing weeks of the regular season, but many of those games were without Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, or other key parts of the rotation.
When the team’s at full strength, Porter’s role is inconsistent, and in this series, it looks like it will be limited enough that the under on his PRA is one of my Clippers vs. Nuggets best bets for Game 2.
James Harden 4+ Three-pointers (+165)
Harden made four three-pointers in Game 1, leading the team with 22 field goal attempts, nine three-point attempts and 32 points. He hit five three-pointers in the season-ending game against the Warriors and earlier in April against the Rockets. On the year, he averaged 3.0 three-pointers per game and 3.3 three-pointers over the last 21 games of the regular season.
With Harden carrying more of the load and playing big minutes, he’ll get plenty of chances on Monday night. While you can definitely play the over 2.5 three-pointers at a safe -150, it’s worth putting at least a little bit on this prop as well since it pays out so well for a number that is very reachable for The Beard.
