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NBA · 2 weeks ago

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

Sportsgrid-Staff

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Spread, Line, Odds, Predictions, Picks and Betting Preview for NBA Basketball Game on 05/16

Date: 05/16/2023
Time: 08:30 PM
Venue: Ball Arena
 

We’re in for an epic showdown tonight as the underdog Los Angeles Lakers brace themselves for a high-stakes clash against the favored Denver Nuggets. The spread is currently at six points in favor of the Nuggets for the opener of the Western Conference Finals.

Long-term series predictions have got the Lakers clinching this WCF. But let me tell you, this game feels like the calm before the storm, or shall I say, the silence before the avalanche hits for Denver. It’s no secret, Denver’s been smashing it on their home court all season. With the likes of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. enjoying a well-deserved rest, they’re all set to come out swinging tonight.

Quick heads up, though, Murray has been under the weather lately, and while he’s a bit of a wildcard tonight, my money’s on him pulling through. It’s almost as if the stage is set for a Nuggets’ offensive blitzkrieg – a real spectacle for the fans.

And let’s not forget about Jokic – I’ve got a feeling that he’s due for a huge game tonight. In fact, I’m so convinced about it that I took his over 50.5  points+rebounds+assists prop on FanDuel. Should be a sight to behold, right?

So here’s my take: Nuggets are likely to dominate Game 1. However, if the Lakers want to win this series, they’ll need to snatch a game in Denver. Will they pull it off? Only time will tell.

Tonight, with a spread of -6, I can’t shake off this vision of a Denver avalanche sweeping the court. I reckon we’ll be tight for the first 2-3 quarters. Then, as the game enters the final stretch, the combined effect of the altitude and Jokic’s magic might just tip the scales in favor of the Nuggets. 

Betting Odds @ FanDuel

    Spread Total Moneyline
Los Angeles Lakers  Open +4.5   -110   O 223   -110   +160  
 Current +6   -106   222.5   -110   +200  
Denver Nuggets  Open -4.5   -110   U 223   -110   -190  
 Current -6   -114   222.5   -110   -245  

Projected Lineups:

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. PG  DAngelo Russell   17.8 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists
4. SG  Austin Reaves   13.0 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists
5. PG  Dennis Schrder   12.6 Points, 2.5 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists
6. SF  Lonnie Walker IV   11.7 Points, 1.9 Rebounds, 1.1 Assists

 

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  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope   10.8 Points, 2.7 Rebounds, 2.4 Assists
6. SG  Bruce Brown   11.5 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists

Last 5 Against The Spread:

Los Angeles Lakers

DATE OPP SPREAD TOTAL SCORE
Fri, May 12 GS -3.5 218.0 122-101
Wed, May 10 GS +8.0 223.0 121-106
Mon, May 08 GS -2.5 228.0 104-101
Sat, May 06 GS -3.0 229.0 127-97
Thu, May 04 GS +7.0 226.5 127-100

 

Denver Nuggets

DATE OPP SPREAD TOTAL SCORE
Thu, May 11 PHO +1.5 226.0 125-100
Tue, May 09 PHO -6.5 227.0 118-102
Sun, May 07 PHO +1.0 226.0 129-124
Fri, May 05 PHO +4.0 225.0 121-114
Mon, May 01 PHO -4.0 229.0 97-87

Betting Insights:

Denver Nuggets

  • 4-1 (.800) against the spread at home as a favorite in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs
  • 5-0 (1.000) at home as a favorite in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers

  • 2-3 (.400) against the spread on the road as an underdog in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs
  • 2-3 (.400) on the road as an underdog in their last five games in the 2022/2023 playoffs

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