Barry Recks
The Denver Nuggets can dig the Los Angeles Lakers a deeper hole with a win this coming Saturday, but that is going to be easier said than done for Nikola Jokic and crew, considering that Game 3 will be played at the home of the Purple & Gold.
Read on for more about this Nuggets vs Lakers matchup in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, including the latest odds, pick, and prediction to win this showdown, as brought to you by JefeBet. Also, don’t forget to check out the other NBA game previews here to help you make the best betting decisions.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Playoffs Game 3 Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2023
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- When: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 8:30 PM ET
- NBA Betting Odds: View NBA Odds
Betting on the Denver Nuggets
- Regular Season Record: 53-29
The Nuggets have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead in the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals following a 108-103 come-from-behind victory over the Lakers at home. With that win, the Nuggets are now 11-4 against the spread in their last 15 games against a team with a winning record. Jamal Murray saved the day for the Nuggets in Game 2, as he unloaded 23 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter.
Of course, Nikola Jokic was just as effective as ever, dropping a casual triple-double of 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. Jokic and Murray are expected to produce day in and day night for the Nuggets, but what makes the team even tougher to solve for the Lakers is Denver’s role players showing up to play as well. Take for example Bruce Brown, who came off the bench and scattered 12 points in Game 2. The Nuggets also continue to rule the glass in the series, as they are averaging 48.0 boards to just 35.0 by the Lakers.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers
- Regular Season Record: 43-39
It’s not the end of the world yet for LeBron James and the Lakers, but they can’t afford to lose Game 3. A loss for the Lakers this Saturday would virtually doom their chances of advancing to the 2023 NBA Finals. Bringing confidence to the Lakers, however, is the fact that they have yet to lose a game in La La Land so far in the playoffs. Moreover, the Lakers have won nine of their last 10 home games against Denver, dating back to 2019.
Los Angeles has also gone 6-4 against the spread in those contests. Anthony Davis is due to a bounce-back performance this Saturday after shooting just 4/15 from the field for 18 points in Game 2. Rui Hachimura, meanwhile, could still be piping hot after going off for 21 points on an exceptional 8/10 shooting last Thursday. Los Angeles will also look to recapture their shooting touch from behind the arc, as the Lakers went just 8/30 from deep in Game 2. The last time they played at home, the Lakers shot 13/26 from downtown, which was when they eliminated the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 in the second round.
JefeBet Prediction
This is a can’t-lose game for the Lakers, and they will play this Saturday as though their lives depend on it. Look for Davis to provide explosive numbers while providing great defense in the middle for the Lakers.
Prediction: The Lakers win, 113-110.
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