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NBA · 2 weeks ago

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Spread, Line, Odds, Predictions, Picks and Betting Preview

Sportsgrid-Staff

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Spread, Line, Odds, Predictions, Picks and Betting Preview for NBA Basketball Game on 05/22

Date: 05/22/2023
Time: 08:30 PM
Venue: Crypto.com Arena
 

In an eagerly anticipated face-off, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves against the formidable Denver Nuggets in the NBA’s WCF. Let’s evaluate the odds and player performance for this crucial game.

Evaluating the Odds

The odds for a must-win game for the Lakers, given the way the series has gone, seems quite skewed. The -158 money line for LA appears too high, considering Denver’s dominant performance throughout the series. Even if the line were at -120, it would still be less appealing, given the commanding play of the Nuggets.

Denver’s dominance extends from the start to the finish of each game. As for the spread of three points, it seems adequate for a one-possession game. But don’t be surprised if it closes a little lower than that. At this point, it seems challenging to place faith in the Lakers to put together a full game.

There could be a possibility that the Lakers might pull a win if the game gets sloppy towards the end, and Denver closes the series out 4-1

Player Performances

Star power has been the highlight of this series, with dynamic duos on both sides. Jamal Murray has consistently proved his worth, scoring at least 31 points in all three games for Denver and consecutively scoring 37 in the last two games.

On LA’s side, the pressure falls on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to salvage this game and prevent their season from coming to a premature end.

Player Props

If you’re keen on point props, considering this is a must-win for the Lakers, betting on LeBron or Davis seems like a viable option. Given the high stakes of this game, it’s unlikely they’ll be pulled early.

However, it’s worth noting that the lines at this stage in the season are incredibly efficient and sharp, which leaves minimal value. While it’s tempting to back LeBron or AD, purely for the interest of seeing the Lakers extend the series or a close game, the value in such bets is rapidly fading.

While we all hope for a thrilling game, the Lakers need to pull something exceptional out of the bag to overcome the relentless Nuggets. 

Betting Odds @ FanDuel

    Spread Total Moneyline
Denver Nuggets  Open +4   -110   O 221.5   -110   +140  
 Current +3   -108   224   -110   +134  
Los Angeles Lakers  Open -4   -110   U 221.5   -110   -166  
 Current -3   -112   224   -110   -158  

Projected Lineups:

Denver Nuggets

1. C  Nikola Jokic   24.5 Points, 11.8 Rebounds, 9.8 Assists
2. PG  Jamal Murray   20.0 Points, 4.0 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists
3. PF  Aaron Gordon   16.3 Points, 6.6 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists
4. SF  Michael Porter Jr.   17.4 Points, 5.5 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists
5. SG  Bruce Brown   11.5 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists
6. SG  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope   10.8 Points, 2.7 Rebounds, 2.4 Assists

 

Los Angeles Lakers

1. C  Anthony Davis   25.9 Points, 12.5 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists
2. SF  LeBron James   28.9 Points, 8.3 Rebounds, 6.8 Assists
3. SG  Austin Reaves   13.0 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists
4. PF  Rui Hachimura   11.2 Points, 4.5 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists
5. PG  DAngelo Russell   17.8 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists
6. PG  Dennis Schroder   12.6 Points, 2.5 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists

Last 5 Against The Spread:

Denver Nuggets

DATE OPP SPREAD TOTAL SCORE
Sat, May 20 LAL +6.0 223.0 119-108
Thu, May 18 LAL -5.5 225.5 108-103
Tue, May 16 LAL -6.5 222.5 132-126
Thu, May 11 PHO +1.5 226.0 125-100
Tue, May 09 PHO -6.5 227.0 118-102

 

Los Angeles Lakers

DATE OPP SPREAD TOTAL SCORE
Sat, May 20 DEN -6.0 223.0 119-108
Thu, May 18 DEN +5.5 225.5 108-103
Tue, May 16 DEN +6.5 222.5 132-126
Fri, May 12 GS -3.5 218.0 122-101
Wed, May 10 GS +8.0 223.0 121-106

Betting Insights:

Los Angeles Lakers

  • 4-1 (.800) against the spread at home as a favorite in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs
  • 4-1 (.800) at home as a favorite in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs

Denver Nuggets

  • 3-2 (.600) against the spread on the road as an underdog in their last five games across the regular season and playoffs in 2022/2023
  • 7-13 (.350) on the road as an underdog in 2022/2023

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