Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 5/20/23 – Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers continue their thrilling Western Conference Finals match-up. The series has been intense so far, with the Nuggets taking a surprising 2-0 lead. The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to bounce back, while the Nuggets are looking for a 3-0 series lead in this game. However, according to the NBA betting forums, Los Angeles Lakers are determined to take this game.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Date & Time: Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET
Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
TV: ABC
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 5/20/23 Betting Odds
Nuggets
Moneyline: +195
Spread: +5.5 (-110)
Total: 223.5 over (-110)
Lakers
Moneyline: -225
Spread: -5.5 (-110)
Total: 223.5 under (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Analysis
The Denver Nuggets have displayed remarkable resilience and determination during the first two games of this series. Game 2 saw them emerge victorious with a score of 108-103 and defy all expectations. Jamal Murray led Denver with 37 points while shooting 45.8% from the field, propelling them to victory. Murray was instrumental in leading his team to victory.
Through their performance this season, the Nuggets have displayed exceptional team stats. They average an impressive 115.8 points per game and boast an efficient field goal percentage of 50.4%. Their 3-point shooting stands at 37.9%, and they boast an excellent free-throw percentage of 75.1%. Denver has shown itself adept at rebounding, collecting an average of 43 boards per game. Their passing game has been outstanding this year, as evidenced by 2,368 assists – second only to Houston in the league. However, turnovers remain an issue as they commit an average of 14.5 per game.
Defensively, the Nuggets force 13.5 turnovers per game and commit 19.5 personal fouls; they currently rank 16th in assists conceded, which allows opponents to distribute effectively. Their field goal percentage allowed is 47.8%, while three-point shooting is limited by only 34.4% of attempts against them; overall, their defense has been solid, allowing an average of 112.5 points per game and placing them 8th in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers face a vital Game 3 as they trail 0-2 in this series. Game 2 proved resilient and determined but fell short. LeBron James led them with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, while their shooting percentage fell well short of expectations.
This season, the Lakers have displayed effective offense, shooting an impressive 48.2% from the field to rank 10th in the NBA and scoring an average of 117.2 points per game – providing them a potent offensive threat. Rebounding has also been an asset, as they average 45.7 boards per contest; free-throw shooting could use some work at currently 77.5%; their foul count has averaged 17.9 per game, while turnovers average 14.1 per contest.
Defensively, the Lakers have had difficulty this season, giving up an average of 116.6 points per game while ranking 20th in the league. Although they force 12.6 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 46.9% from the field against them; three-point defense was an area of weakness as opponents shot 34.4% from beyond the arc against them; improving defensive efficiency will be essential if the Lakers want any hope of coming back in this series.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Against the Spread
Denver is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games. Denver is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games. Denver is 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against LA Lakers. Denver is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games against LA Lakers. Denver is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road.
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. LA Lakers are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers’ last 6 games against Denver. LA Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games at home. LA Lakers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Denver.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Pick
The Nuggets’ two-game lead in this series and their resilience, efficient shooting, and strong rebounding give them the upper hand over the Lakers; however, LeBron James’ talented leadership possesses enough experience and ability to stage an unlikely comeback. According to NBA betting analysts, game 3 promises to be an intense encounter as both sides battle for supremacy in this series.
Free Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 (-110)
