Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 5/18/23 – Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers will meet again for Game 2 of their series. Following their Game 1 win and momentum from it, Denver looks to build on it with another victory in this matchup. Los Angeles Lakers are eager to bounce back to tie up the series, but the Nuggets are the best NBA bet today to win and take a 2-0 lead.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
Date & Time: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena Denver, CO
TV: ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 5/18/23 Betting Odds
Lakers
Moneyline: +185
Spread: +5.5 (-107)
Total: 227 over (-105)
Nuggets
Moneyline: -215
Spread: -5.5 (-113)
Total: 227 under (-115)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers enter Game 2 with an impressive 43-39 regular season record. Although injury setbacks and inconsistent performances have hurt them at times this season, they remain an impressive championship contender with an efficient offense averaging 117.2 points per game – sixth overall in the NBA – led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James as potent scoring threats that provide plenty of scoring threats across all areas of the court; their versatile forward poses significant difficulties to Nuggets defense players.
However, the Lakers have struggled on defense. They allow an average of 116.6 points per game – ranking 20th in the league – which makes Game 2 extremely crucial. To secure victory for themselves in that matchup, the Lakers must prioritize defensive intensity and communication to slow down Denver Nuggets’ high-powered offense, limit second-chance opportunities, and force turnovers that lead to turnovers and turnover-forced victories.
Anthony Davis was instrumental for the Lakers in Game 1, scoring 40 points on 60.9% shooting while contributing 10 rebounds and three assists. They will count heavily on him again to continue his offensive dominance in Game 2 and support their team.
With an outstanding regular season record of 53-29, the Denver Nuggets have demonstrated why they are one of the premier teams in the league. Known for their high-octane offense, the Nuggets lead the NBA with an outstanding 50.4% field goal percentage. This efficiency has resulted in an average of 115.8 points per game, placing them first among league competitors for scoring. Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic has led them to create an offense characterized by ball movement. Denver currently ranks second in assists per game with 28.9. Their ability to share the ball and find open teammates creates numerous scoring opportunities while placing immense strain on opposing defenses.
Defensively, the Nuggets have shown marked improvements this season. Their average opponent score per game stands at 112.5, and they rank eighth overall in the NBA in terms of defensive rebounding with 43 rebounds per game, ranking first in the NBA.
Nikola Jokic has been pivotal in Denver Nuggets’ success all season. His versatility and leadership qualities have propelled him to the fore of the league. Jokic’s ability to influence multiple aspects of a game makes him one of the players to watch in Game 2. In Game 1, Nikola Jokic showed his remarkable skills by scoring 34 points on 70.6% shooting while also hauling in 21 rebounds and dishing 14 assists, showing that his influence extended across both ends of the court.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Against the Spread
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers’ last 7 games. LA Lakers are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games. LA Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games against Denver. The total has gone OVER in 10 of the LA Lakers’ last 12 games on the road.
Denver is 10-3 SU in their last 13 games. The total has gone OVER in 13 of Denver’s last 19 games against the LA Lakers. Denver is 9-0 SU in their last 9 games at home. Denver is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers. Denver is 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division division.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Free Pick
NBA betting experts predicted the Denver Nuggets would continue their strong performance and secure victory in Game 2 against Los Angeles Lakers. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets’ high-powered offense have proven formidable forces. Due to their home-court advantage and proven track record at Ball Arena, the Nuggets should maintain their momentum and take an early 2-0 series advantage.
Free Pick: Denver Nuggets -5.5 (-113)
