Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/04/2024, 06:34  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference NBA Playoffs series at Ball Arena on Monday. Denver won the season series 3-0 and posted a 114-103 win in game one on Saturday night.

In Saturday's Game 1, the Lakers surged to a 12-point advantage early on but ultimately succumbed to a 114-103 defeat despite commendable performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Together, they amassed 59 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists. Yet, the Lakers faced challenges in their three-point shooting efficiency and overall team depth, exacerbated by the absence of Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt. Apart from James' successful 3-of-5 three-pointers, the collective team struggled, shooting just 5-of-24 from beyond the arc. Looking ahead, if James and Davis can sustain their level of play and the Lakers replicate their strong first-half showing from Game 1, they stand a solid chance of overcoming the spread and potentially securing a victory in Game 2. Crucially, maintaining consistency throughout the entire game is paramount, avoiding lapses that allowed the Nuggets to seize control in the second half. Furthermore, the Lakers must prioritize their defensive approach, with particular attention on neutralizing Nikola Jokic. Jokic's impact on the court is immense, and curtailing his effectiveness could significantly sway the game in favor of the Lakers.

The Nuggets have been enjoying a remarkable season, particularly flexing their dominance at home. Although they initially struggled in the first half of Saturday's game, they found their groove well into the third quarter, rendering the Lakers powerless to mount an effective offensive response. Despite limited contributions from their bench in Game 1, all five starters for the Nuggets achieved double-digit scoring. Nikola Jokic, as expected, was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 32 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points and eight rebounds. Denver's performance extended beyond individual brilliance, evidenced by their minimal four turnovers compared to the Lakers' 12. Consistency has been a hallmark of the Nuggets' season, both on the court and in terms of covering the spread. They boast an impressive 4-1 record in both categories over their last five games. Moreover, their dominance over the Lakers in recent times has been evident, winning nine consecutive matchups since January 2023 and covering the spread six consecutive times in those encounters.