The Western Conference Finals have arrived, as the Denver Nuggets will host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 on Tuesday, May 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 pm ET while airing on ESPN.
The Nuggets enter this game as 5.5-point favorites with the total set at 222.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions, odds, and picks for Game 1 below.
Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds
- Spread: Nuggets -5.5
- Total: 222.5
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Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, May 16
- Time: 8:30 pm ET
- Location: Ball Arena – Denver, CO
- TV: ESPN
Our top NBA props. Everyday. Matt LaMarca runs through his Best NBA Player Props Today for this pair of playoff games.
Nuggets Betting Trends
- Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Denver.
- Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Lakers Betting Trends
- Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Over is 9-2 in Lakers last 11 road games.
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Nuggets vs. Lakers Predictions
We always need to start out these write-ups with injury disclaimers, so here goes: Denver PG Jamal Murray is questionable for Game 1 with an illness.
He was also listed as questionable with an illness for Game 6 against the Suns, and he ended up playing in that game. Because of that, there’s optimism that Murray will take the floor on Tuesday.
Jamal Murray (illness) listed questionable for Tuesday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) May 15, 2023
The Nuggets are 5-1 against the spread at home in the playoffs. Overall, they are 40-7 straight up and 30-16-1 against the spread at Ball Arena this season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are 16-21-1 against the spread as road underdogs this season, which comes out to a 43.2% cover rate. Los Angeles has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road games in the playoffs.
Don’t overthink it here. The Nuggets are playing terrific basketball, and it’s reasonable to believe they can cover the spread while pulling out a Game 1 victory.
The Pick: Nuggets -5.5| -110 at BetMGM Sportsbook
