Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction & Odds
The top-seeded Denver Nuggets travel to Los Angeles to take on the #7-seed Lakers on ABC Saturday night at 8:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Can the Nuggets cover the 5.5-point spread as road underdogs?
Denver leads the series 2-0.
The Denver Nuggets went 53-29 in the regular season. They are 10-3 in the playoffs this season. The Nuggets are 51-43-1 ATS on the year.
The Los Angeles Lakers went 43-39 in the regular season. They’re 9-6 in the playoffs and play-in this season. The Lakers are 50-46-1 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
539 Denver Nuggets (+5.5) at 540 Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5); O/U 222.5
8:30 PM ET, Saturday, May 20, 2023
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Nuggets vs. Lakers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 64% of public bettors are currently backing the Lakers -5.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
Denver point guard Jamal Murray went off in Game on Thursday night. He poured in 37 points and recorded 23 of those in the fourth quarter. Murray was instrumental in Denver’s come-from-behind 108-103 win at home in Game 2. He will likely have some DFS value on Saturday night as he’s scored at least 26 points in three straight games.
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been quiet this series, but that may change on Saturday. Gordon shot 34.7% from deep in the regular season, but he’s yet to hit a three-pointer in 5 attempts this series. Gordon averaged 3.1 more points per game on the road than at home during the regular season, which could make him worth a look in DFS in Game 2 of this series.
Los Angeles Lakers DFS Spin
The Lakers LeBron James struggled a bit in Game 2 on Thursday. James blew multiple layups, went 0 for 6 on three-pointers, and recorded three turnovers. His per-game playoff stats are still solid (23.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists) and I like him to have an excellent bounce-back game at home against Denver on Saturday.
L.A.’s D’Angelo Russell racked up 21 points in Game 3 of the Lakers’ second-round series against Golden State. He made 5 three-pointers and dished out 5 assists in that contest. Russell is only averaging 9 points per game in this series, but he should get back on track at home against Denver in Game 3.
Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Betting Trends
Denver is 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Conference Finals games.
Denver is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Conference Finals games.
Los Angeles is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Prediction
Los Angeles hasn’t lost a home playoff game this season. They’ve been good against the number in L.A. as well. The Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games. Los Angeles has also been great after losses, as they are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following an outright loss. It’s worth noting that L.A. racked up 103 points in their Game 2 defeat. The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 100 points in their previous game. The Lakers will be in a must-win situation on Saturday night, and I believe they’ll take care of business. I’ll lay the points with L.A. at home in Game 3.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES LAKERS -5.5
