Henry Roldán
Everything is set for the Lakers vs Nuggets to kick off what is expected to be an exciting Western Conference Final in the 2023 NBA Playoffs next Tuesday.
The Lakers arrive at the series after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, both by 4-2. Meanwhile, the Nuggets quintet had no trouble dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 and the Phoenix Suns 4-2.
Without further ado, at JefeBet, we bring you the best preview of the star-studded Playoffs Game 1 in the Western Conference Finals between Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets NBA Playoffs Game 1 Final on May 16, 2023
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
- When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 8:30 PM E.T.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers
- Series Record: 0-0
- Postseason Record: 8-4
- Regular Season Record: 43-39
Despite having eliminated the current NBA champions, the Lakers enter this series with a low profile, since they face off against the team with the best record in the division during the regular season.
Let’s remember that the Lakers finished the season in seventh place, and had to go through the Play-In, where they defeated the Timberwolves, who were later comfortably beaten by the Nuggets.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the team coached by Darvin Ham has had an impeccable postseason after defeating the number two team in the West, the Grizzlies, and dispatching the powerful Warriors in six games on Friday night.
As expected, defense has been the hallmark of the Lakers during this period, holding their opponents to below 105 points scored in six of their 12 games played.
On the offensive side, we know the importance of James, but undoubtedly a significant factor has been Davis’ play in the court. In fact, the star center has been dominant on both offense and defense, and in the playoffs, he averages 21.2 points per game with 14.1 rebounds and 3.3 blocks.
Therefore, it will be very exciting to see how he can maintain that level of play when he faces Nikola Jokic, one of the best players in the NBA and the MVP of the past two seasons.
Betting on the Denver Nuggets
- Series Record: 0-0
- Postseason Record: 8-3
- Regular Season Record: 53-29
According to many analysts, this is the year that the Nuggets will finally rise to the top. However, they will have to overcome their toughest obstacle yet when they face off against the Lakers in the playoffs.
Although the Lakers finished seventh in the conference, they were one of the best teams in the second half of the season. Actually, their defense will undoubtedly be a tough challenge for Michael Malone’s squad.
The Nuggets easily defeated the Timberwolves in the first round, and took care of the Suns in the semifinals, who had no answer for the solid play of Jokic and his teammates.
In fact, the Joker is averaging almost a triple-double in these playoffs with 30.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, repeating his performance from the regular season where he, along with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., led one of the best offenses in the NBA.
On the defensive side, the Nuggets have also been impeccable. In only two of the 11 games played in the postseason so far, the Nuggets allowed more than 114 points, both of which were losses at the Suns’ home court.
JefeBet Prediction
Both teams have had outstanding defensive performances in their respective series, but their Lakers vs Nuggets direct clashes have resulted in high-scoring games.
On one side, the Nuggets’ offense was the only one to finish the regular season with over 50% shooting accuracy, and was the fourth-best team in three-point shooting percentage.
On the other hand, the Lakers have the advantage of Davis dominance over the court, his fast transitions, and the excellent play of Austin Reaves, who has been a game-changer alongside the star center and James.
That being said, six of the last eight games these teams played in Denver ended up in the Over, while 29 of their past 44 Lakers vs Nuggets direct clashes resulted in high-scoring games. Therefore, at JefeBet, we believe that this Game 1 will follow the same trend.
Prediction: Over (DEN 115 – LAL 110)
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