The Nuggets battled back against the Jazz to advance past the first round, but that was a Jazz team that is not nearly as talented as the Clippers, especially since Bojan Bogdanovic was out. The Clippers are rested and won both of their last two games in their series with the Mavericks by at least 14 points. The last two times they played Denver, they won each game by at least 13 points. Despite this lofty line, I like the Clippers to cover.

Patrick Beverley is expected back for the Clippers, which dims the likelihood of another Jamal Murray explosion. LA is rested while the Nuggets are recovering from a grueling seven-game series. Lay it.

My projections see at least 231 points lighting up the scoreboard on Thursday when the Nuggets meet the Clippers in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup. The Over is hitting in nearly 65 percent of simulations. Although the Nuggets can be an efficient defensive team, they appear to be better-suited for the up-tempo game and will get no resistance from the Clippers. Los Angeles' depth and myriad weapons force opponents to find matching offense in order to compete. Look for this series to play mostly Over, and it starts in Game 1.