The Western Conference Finals series between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers can be compared to the tortoise and the hare. In the regular season, the Nuggets led the Western Conference all the way to earn the top seed. By contrast, the Lakers feared missing the NBA betting post-season until the final month. Since the 2023 NBA Playoffs started, Denver has maintained its excellence. But the Lakers have found an extra gear. Los Angeles is not the same team in the playoffs as in the regular season.
2023 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 8:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +5½ (-110) | 222½ (-110) | +180 |  |
| Nuggets | -5½ (-110) | 222½ (-110) | -220 | |
| ||||
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets SBG Odds Overview
Naturally, the Lakers will draw plenty of offshore betting action as the biggest brand in the NBA. LeBron James and the Lakers draw massive casual sector handles. And that sets up a valuable opportunity with the Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Series Schedule
- Game 1: Lakers at Nuggets | Tuesday
- Game 2: Lakers at Nuggets | Thursday
- Game 3: Nuggets at Lakers | Saturday
- Game 4: Nuggets at Lakers | Mon., May 22
- Game 5*: Lakers at Nuggets | Wed., May 24
- Game 6*: Nuggets at Lakers | Fri., May 26
- Game 7*: Lakers at Nuggets | Sun., May 28
* if necessary | All games 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Los Angeles Lakers Team Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers are 43-39 straight up, 40-41-1 against the spread, and 43-38-1 over/under the total. Late on, Los Angeles has covered five out of their last seven games. At the same time, the Lakers have gone over the NBA betting total in four of its previous six matchups.
Los Angeles has NBA metrics of 6th for scoring offense, 10th for field goal percentage, 25th for 3-point field goal percentage, 20th for free throw percentage, and 6th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Lakers have NBA metrics of 20th for scoring defense, 10th for field goal percentage permitted, 2nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 25th for defensive rebounding.
First among Laker scorers is LeBron James, with 23.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Anthony Davis averages 21.2 points and 14.1 rebounds per contest.
Denver Nuggets Team Overview
The Denver Nuggets finished 53-29 straight up, 45-37 against the spread, and 37-44-1 over/under the total. Late on, Denver has covered four out of their last six games. In comparison, the Nuggets have gone under the total in three of its previous five matchups.
Denver has NBA metrics of 12th for scoring offense, 1st for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 26th for free throw percentage, and 19th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Nuggets have NBA metrics of 8th for scoring defense, 20th for field goal percentage permitted, 3rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed and 1st for defensive rebounding.
First among Denver scorers is Nikola Jokic with 30.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game. At the same time, Jamal Murray adds 25.9 points and 5.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per contest.
Lakers vs. Nuggets SBG Free Pick
As was previously noted, the Nuggets are the top seed and earned home-court advantage. Also, Denver is getting a more favorable price against the ultimate public brand on the NBA board.
Lakers vs. Nuggets SBG Best Bet: Denver Nuggets.