The Western Conference shifts to L.A. for Game 3 on Saturday between the Nuggets and Lakers. Denver aims to take a 3-0 series lead.
The Lakers had a real shot at claiming Game 2 in Denver, leading for much of the night. Nevertheless, L.A. is the latest side to get the “Nuggets experience,” losing 108-103. Denver is extremely difficult to slow down and they’ve barrelled their way through to home wins every time in the playoffs.
Heading into the third bout, the NBA odds place the Lakers as -5.5 favourites. The number crunching has led to an expected total of 223.5.
Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
The Game 2 victory has given Denver a significant boost on the series odds. They’re currently viewed as -500 favourites whereas they previously sat at -294. As for the Lakers, the group has dropped to +317 (+211 heading into the second contest). The series outcome with the best price is Nuggets in five at +208.
Now the series takes on a similar plotline to Denver’s previous round. Against the Suns, it was a matter of defending home court, with teams searching for ways to steal a road game. Winning Game 2 improved Mike Malone’s team to a perfect 8-0 at home this spring. Although the team has played only five away matches, the record is is a mediocre 2-3. What’s more, the Lakers have been terrific at home themselves this postseason with a 6-0 record and a few blowout wins to boot.
Denver Nuggets
Denver’s 108-103 win in the second match was a testament to why this could be their year. They are a remarkable home side, and as long as they hold home-court advantage in a series, there is no reason to not pin them as a favourite.
The visitors led by as many as 11. It’s not a substantial figure, especially in today’s NBA, but for long stretches, when Denver made buckets to narrow the margin, the L.A. fired right back to preserve a double-digit or near-double-digit lead. Interestingly, although the Nuggets didn’t shoot especially well from long range overall (36.8 per cent), they erupted in the fourth quarter, i.e. when it mattered most. Jamal Murray’s redemption continued in Game 2. Of his 37 points, 23 were earned in the final period. He was 6-for-7 in the fourth, which included four three-point shots, all daggers that turned a deficit into a slim lead, then a slim lead into a slightly more comfortable one.
Nikola Jokic earned a “tepid” triple-double with 23 points, 17 boards, and 12 assists. Michael Porter Jr. also came to the rescue in the final period, hitting from long range too and finishing with 16 points. Bruce Brown, with 12 points, continues to be a valuable asset as a substitute.
Los Angeles Lakers
L.A. showed vim and verve in both games played in Colorado. In each instance, they had a chance at sneaking away with a win despite the odds. Even so, they now trail 2-0 for the first time in this playoff run.
It definitely adds complexity to the series. The Lakers are such a good home team that returning to Crypto.com Arena tied 1-1 has proven to be monumentally important to their success. Now, even if they win both Games 3 and 4, the series will be tied 2-2. Rui Hachimura may prove to be a more important figure than previously imagined in this matchup goes along. He came off the bench for 21 points, making his first six shots. Both LeBron James and Austin Reaves were tied for the team lead in points with 22 apiece. It’s also clear that when Anthony Davis is a bit off (4-for-15, 18 points) it hurts the Lakers.
L.A. must also deal with psychological gamesmanship. They mounted a comeback in Game 1 but failed. Then, they suffered a Denver comeback in Game 2, resulting in defeat. If the Lakers do not play well for 48 minutes, they aren’t going to beat the Nuggets.
Game 3 Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Lakers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 19 May 8:56am | DEN | -6 -110 | O +223.5 -110 |
| Closing 20 May 5:16pm | DEN | -5.5 -110 | O +222.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
Injuries
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)
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)
Injuries
| 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. |
|||||
| 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. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 19 May 8:56am DEN -6 -110 O +223.5 -110 Closing 20 May 5:16pm DEN -5.5 -110 O +222.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
-
Injuries
Jamal 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 / 23Anthony 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 / 23Injuries
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.
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.