Game 2 between Los Angeles and Denver is Thursday night. The Nuggets look to claim a significant 2-0 series advantage before the setting switches to California.
L.A. put up a terrific second half fight in the face of Nikola Jokic’s awesomeness in Game 1, but still fell 132-126. The series remains in Colorado for Game 2, where the Nuggets have successfully defended home court all throughout the playoffs (7-0).
The NBA odds have the Nuggets pinned as -5.5 favourites, with the total tabulated at 226.5.
Lakers vs. Nuggets NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
The series table has Denver as the favourite to emerge out of the Western Conference. Mike Malone’s ensemble sits at -294, whereas Darvin Ham’s group carries a +211 price tag. Interestingly, the most likely outcome, as per the prices, is Denver in seven at +295.
The element of surprise is gone. That sounds a little dramatic, but what we mean is that few thought L.A. would take out Memphis in the first round, and the Lakers shocked the Grizzlies in Tennessee in the first match. The same thing happened in the second round in Game 1 in San Francisco versus the Warriors. Now they find themselves down 1-0 rather than up by that score. The Lakers are an impressive 9-5 against the spread in these playoffs.
As alluded to, the Nuggets haven’t failed once at home during this impressive playoff run. Their 7-0 home record is all the more impressive considering that they’ve typically smashed the opposition, save for Game 5 against Minnesota and Game 1 in this series versus the Lakers. Denver is 7-5 ATS in the postseason.
Los Angeles Lakers
Losing is never fun, especially in the playoffs, but LeBron James and company can hang their heads high despite Game 1’s result. What looked to be a total blowout at one point morphed into an arresting and lively affair that practically went down to the wire.
For Los Angeles to have fought back as valiantly as they did to make it a six-point contest – they trailed by 20 in the third – speaks volumes to how psychologically different this Lakers club is from where they were earlier in the year. It was definitely a shooters night, with both L.A. and Denver performing very well from the field – the Lakers were 54.8 per cent overall and 45.8 from beyond the arc. Rebounding hurt the visitors however, as the Nuggets corralled 47 attempts off the glass to the Lakers’ mediocre 30. Only five offensive boards meant precious few second chances when attacking. James and Anthony Davis were really the only ones rebounding anyways, as the former grabbed 12 and the latter 10.
Davis, for that matter, was a terrific 14-for-23 for a whopping 40 points. Austin Reaves continues to make his mark in these playoffs, tallying 23 points of his own thanks in large part to a 5-for-9 night from three.
Denver Nuggets
The legend of the Joker grows. We’re passed the stage when one can stop expecting something amazing from him. He always has a trick up his sleeve.
Among the many great moment from Game 1, the one that has received the most replay value is of course the three-point shot over Anthony Davis as the third quarter ended. It was a desperation attempt, make no mistake about it, but as the old expression goes, to be great one need a little bit of luck. Despite that mesmerizing shot which put the Nuggets up by 14, they nevertheless struggled to contain the Lakers in the final frame. Some lessons need learning about how to better nullify Davis and Austin Reaves, who smoked the Nuggets defence a few times with long range shots.
Jokic had a triple-double – what else is new – with 34 points, 14 assists and 21 rebounds. Jamal Murray pitched in with 31 points, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope haunted his old team by tallying 21. Six players notched double-digits in points, always a good sign.
Game 2 Prediction: Who Will Win Lakers vs. Nuggets?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 17 May 10:11am | LAL | -6 -110 | O +226.5 -110 |
| Closing 19 May 12:06am | LAL | -5 -110 | O +225.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
Injuries
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Jeff Green (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Fri | Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 | 4-2 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Wed | Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 | 5-2 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 | 5-3 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Fri | Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 3-6 | + - |
|
Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Thurs | Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Prob Sun | Face - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sun | Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Prob Sun | Back - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sat | Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 | 14-9 | 11-11-1 | + - |
|
Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 17 May 10:11am LAL -6 -110 O +226.5 -110 Closing 19 May 12:06am LAL -5 -110 O +225.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
-
Injuries
Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23Jeff Green (SF)
Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23Reggie Jackson (PG)
Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 1-1 1-1 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 2-1 2-1 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 4-2 4-2 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 5-2 4-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 5-3 5-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 6-3 6-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 2-1 1-2 + - Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-3 3-6 + - Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 7-3 3-7 + - Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jeff Green (SF) Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 14-9 11-11-1 + - Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday.