Through the first 2 rounds of the NBA Playoffs, the most impressive team has inarguably been the Denver Nuggets. That hasn’t changed through the first 2 games, as the Nuggets have protected home court en route to a 2-0 series lead. The Lakers have been in both games, but moral victories will only go so far in the Western Conference Finals. Can Los Angeles flip the momentum in this series?
With the series shifting to Los Angeles, let’s get into the odds, betting lines and our expert’s predictions.
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Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers spread, odds & betting lines
Point spread: Nuggets +5.5; Lakers -5.5
Total points over/under: 222.5 points
Money line odds: Nuggets +180; Lakers -220
You can also check out our Nuggets vs Lakers Same Game Parlay
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Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers expert picks
Nuggets vs Lakers point spread pick: Lakers -5.5 (-110)
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a dire need of a win as they return home to face the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 trailing 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals. In Game 2, the Lakers had control of the game on both sides of the floor and were up by double digits. They even had their role players contributing tremendously as Rui Hachimura came off the bench to score 21 points and starter Austin Reeves scored 22. However, the Nuggets kept fighting and went on a 23-8 4th-quarter run, leading by as much as 12. That effort was led by Jamal Murray, who had scored only 14 points throughout the first 3 quarters. Murray carried his Nuggets team single-handedly in the 4th quarter, scoring 23 points while the Lakers combined scored 24.
I think we will see the Lakers get a home win through bounce-back games from their stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who both played sub-par in Game 2. James needs to be more aggressive and attack the inside as his 3-ball has not been falling, not only this series, but in the playoffs overall. In Game 2, although he shot close to 50%, he did not make any of his 3-point shots, missing 6 times. Davis went 4-15 from the floor and scored only 18 points. He had been impressive in Game 1 and if we are able to get a repeat of that performance tonight, the Lakers should be capable of winning this game and covering the spread.
Be sure to check out our full Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets predictions
Nuggets vs Lakers over/under total pick: Under 222.5 points (-110)
The Lakers played great defense throughout the first 3 quarters of Game 2, especially in the first half when they allowed only 48 points. The Nuggets’ performance drops on the road compared to how they play at home and they have lost 3 of their last 5 road games.
We could see a repeat of Game 2 in regards to how the defenses will perform in this spot, especially by the Lakers, who cannot afford to go down 3-0 and be on the verge of being swept. The under hit in the last game and I am going to go right back and taking the under again.
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