NBA Tuesday playoff best bets: Clippers will start fast

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NBA playoff action resumes Tuesday following a one-day hiatus. Who will set the tone in Game 1 between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics? Can the Denver Nuggets complete another rally down 3-1, this time over the Los Angeles Clippers?

Here's all the betting info you need for Tuesday's two-game slate.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics (-1.5, 208.5)

Both teams are plenty rested entering the Eastern Conference finals.

The Celtics last played Friday when they beat the Toronto Raptors in Game 7. The Heat have had an even longer time off, last taking the court a week ago when they sent the Milwaukee Bucks packing.

Both clubs have been solid bets with extra rest: The Celtics are 19-6-1 against the spread over their last 26 games with three or more days off, while the Heat are 39-18 ATS through their last 57 in the same situation.

Two of the teams' three regular-season meetings went under the total, while the other pushed. Both have played a string of low-scoring games lately, too: The Heat have gone under the total in four of the last six, while the Celtics have cashed eight of the last nine.

Although the two clubs have dominated through the first two rounds, Boston's playoff net rating (8.4) is better than Miami's (7.3). The Celtics just have too much star power, as we saw in their series against Toronto.

Bet on Boston head coach Brad Stevens, who's 24-8 ATS over his last 32 games as a playoff favorite.

Pick: Celtics -1.5

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers (-7.5, 208.5)

The Nuggets have overcome back-to-back double-digit halftime deficits to set up this Game 7. This is familiar territory for a Denver squad that won three straight games over the Utah Jazz last round. Can head coach Mike Malone and Co. pull off a third straight upset?

Both teams are trending under the total as the series gets deeper. Four of the contests have sailed comfortably under, while the other two pushed. Game 7's total of 208.5 is far and away the lowest of the series.

Here, I'd look at taking the Clippers on the first-half line instead of the full contest in order to avoid any late-game collapses. L.A. has led by at least eight at the half in three straight contests and in four of six during the series.

Pick: 1H Clippers -4.5

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.