The LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets open their NBA playoff series at the Mile High this Saturday night. There’s a chip on the Lakers’ shoulders here, following last year’s loss in the West Finals once the Nuggets swept LeBron and the company.
LA Lakers News
The purple and gold eliminated the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament, getting that seventh spot and securing the meeting with the champions, the Nuggets. Anthony Davis was excellent against his former team. He dropped 30 points, grabbed 11 boards, all that having problems with his back spasms.
Besides AD, LeBron was extremely useful, recording a triple-double. King James had 28 points, 17 assists and 11 boards. By far he was the most dominant player on the court. Two more players had a good role in a 124-108 win against the Pels: Austin Rivers with 20 buckets and D’Angelo Russell with one fewer.
Denver Nuggets News
The hype in Colorado is massive because the Nuggets feel they can win another championship. Nikola Jokic is the top favorite to win his third NBA MVP award, and correct last year’s injustice when that honor went to Joel Embiid’s hands, even though the Process didn’t deserve that.
Another reason for euphoria is Jamal Murray’s comeback. There were some problems with his fitness and injury, but he seems healthy enough to lead the team along with Jokic to the next round. Murray played 59 events this season, scoring 21.2 buckets with 6.5 assists and 4.1 boards.
LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Tips
The Nuggets are 33-8 at home and 3-0 vs. Lakers this season. This alone is the reason why we pick the hosts to triumph. Plus, the Nuggets have a deeper roster than the LAL, who, even though they play well, isn’t at Denver’s level.
Betting Tip: Nuggets -3.5
Betting Odds: 1.50
Bookmaker: Bets.io
Bets.io
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