Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets 5/16/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
West Finals – Game 1, Series starts 5/16
The Denver Nuggets will host the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game of the Western Conference Finals in a best-of-seven series on Tuesday. The Lakers have reached the finals after winning against the Memphis Grizzlies 4-2 in the quarterfinals, followed by a 4-2 semifinals victory against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers’ superstar duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, led the team and will pose a significant challenge for the Nuggets.
LeBron James is the top scorer for the Lakers in the postseason, averaging 23.4 points per game, followed by Anthony Davis with 21.2 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. James also leads the team in assists with 5.3 per game, while the Lakers are averaging 112.4 ppg. The Lakers shot 112.4 points per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and just 33.1% from the 3-point line.
- The LA Lakers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road against Denver.
- LA Lakers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games with an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Lakers’ last 9 games against an opponent in the Northwest Division.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets 5/16/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
The Nuggets, on the other hand, advanced to the finals after defeating the Timberwolves 4-1 in the quarterfinals, followed by a tough seven-game series against the Phoenix Suns, with the Nuggets winning 4-3, including a decisive 125-100 win in game seven. Denver’s trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. has led the team throughout the season.
During the postseason, Jokic has been leading Denver in scoring, rebounding, and assists with averages of 30.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, while Murray is the second-leading scorer with 25.9 ppg. Additionally, the Nuggets have six players averaging double figures in scoring, and the team is averaging 115.8 points per game. The Nuggets are scoring 115.8 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 37.9% from the 3-point line.
- The total went OVER in 12 of Denver’s last 18 games against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Denver Nuggets are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games at home.
- Denver is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against the LA Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets. The NBA pick for this game is the Denver Nuggets. When it comes to playing at the Ball Arena in Denver, the Nuggets have a distinct advantage due to the mile-high altitude. This is something that most visiting teams struggle with, and the Los Angeles Lakers are no exception. In fact, the Lakers have only managed to cover the spread in one of their last seven visits to Denver. While the Lakers have a strong bench, they may struggle with the altitude, which could lead to more substitutions. This could ultimately work in Denver’s favor and give them the edge they need to win the game. Overall prediction:the Denver Nuggets will win and cover the spread, with a final score of 115-107.
NBA Starting Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena in Denver, CO
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
TV: ESPN
NBA Odds: Denver Nuggets -4.5
NBA Totals: 225.5
