NBA Tuesday playoff best bets: Clippers, Mavs see playoff-high total

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The Utah Jazz can move onto the second round with a win over the Denver Nuggets, while the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will duke it out in a pivotal Game 5.

Here are the best bets to consider for Tuesday's two-game slate.

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz (-3, 220.5)

The Jazz's offense is running circles around the Nuggets. Utah's registered at least a 47% shooting clip and 124 points in all four of its postseason games, including a series-high 57.4% shooting percentage and 129 points in Game 4.

Denver finally found a pulse Sunday after being held to an average of 96 points in the two games prior. Jamal Murray scored 50 of his team's 127 points, its second-highest tally of the series.

The Nuggets have essentially given Utah the mid-range jumper. If Donovan Mitchell - who put up a game-high 51 points during Game 4 - and Co. continue to stay hot, it's going to force Denver to pick up the pace. However, the Nuggets should continue thriving on the glass after recording 17 offensive rebounds Sunday.

Utah is 19-9-1 to the over through its last 29 games after scoring 125 points or more, while Denver is 8-1 to the over through its previous nine as an underdog.

Pick: Over 220.5

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5, 236.5)

Watching these two clubs Sunday was like watching two heavyweight boxers trade shots all night. It sometimes felt more like a backyard scrimmage than it did a crucial Game 4, with bucket after bucket going through the nylon.

Although these two teams are offensive juggernauts, I actually like the under for Tuesday's total, which is the highest of any postseason game so far.

While Trey Burke and Seth Curry have both been critical pieces to Dallas' No. 1-ranked offense, will the tandem combine to shoot 16-of-23 from the field again? Burke, who's a 45% shooter, went 10-of-14 from the floor and 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Every trend points to the over, but the Clippers will control the pace and keep this well under the total.

Pick: Under 236.5

Player props

Kawhi Leonard - Over points

There are plenty of solid offensive matchups across the board with two totals at 220 or higher. However, the one player I'd love to buy in the prop market is Leonard, who's been having a field day against Dallas' defense.

The Clippers star has bullied the Mavericks all series. He's now scored 29 points or more in all four contests following a 32-point outburst in Game 4.

There really isn't much Dallas can do to defend Leonard's physicality. He's getting whatever he wants in the paint, and when he isn't, he's drawing fouls - Leonard's registered double-digit free throws in three straight games.

Go over on the point total.

(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.