Free NBA Pick: Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Odds
Looking for Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers free NBA picks & NBA playoff odds? NBA betting sees the Nuggets taking on the Lakers on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA playoff hoops predictions like this Nuggets Lakers matchup.
2020 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Western Conference Finals (Orlando)
Game 1
(0-0) Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)
Date: Friday, September 12th, 2020
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Venue: Walt Disney World Resort – AdventHealth Arena| ESPN Complex
NBA Moneyline Odds: Nuggets +250 | Lakers -270
NBA Betting Odds: Nuggets +7.0 | Lakers -7.0
NBA Betting Total: 211
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While most analysts and odds predicted two L.A. teams would find themselves tipping off in the Western Conference Finals the upstart Denver Nuggets decided to change the narrative as they face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Denver Nuggets
For the second straight series, the Nuggets came back from being down 1-3 to win game seven and move forward.
It was only the 13th time it’s happened in NBA history and Denver is the only team to accomplish the feat twice in the same postseason.
With games every other day, youthful rosters and ones with constancy have performed best. The Nuggets check off both boxes.
Nikola Jokic was the best player in the Clippers series and was magnificent in each elimination game. In the closeout game, he registered a triple-double before the end of the third frame and finished with 16 points, 22 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Jamal Murray was stymied early in the series but broke through when it mattered and scored 40 points in game seven. Likewise, Gary Harris who was still finding his rhythm after a lengthy injury absence provided critical defense and timely 3-pointers.
Jerami Grant was the primary defender of Kawhi Leonard and is likely to draw the LeBron assignment.
Los Angeles Lakers
Although the Lakers aren’t a squad with a youthful roster or years of constancy to rely on they arguably have the top two superstar duo remaining in the bubble.
They also have the benefit of rest having closed out both previous series via gentlemen’s sweeps.
Anthony Davis leads the Lakers in scoring (27.6) and rebounding (10.9). Davis’ defense has been stellar although he’s not had someone of Nikola Jokic’s ilk to deal with.
LeBron James is averaging close to a triple-double with 26.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.8. assists.
The ‘others’ for the Lakers are where the uncertainty lies. Some nights it’s Rajon Rondo, others Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso tends to have at least a few games in each series where he’s the x-factor.
A sore groin continues to bother James and Rondo is experiencing back spasms again. James is expected to play, Rondo is questionable while Dion Waiters (groin) isn’t expected to play.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Under is 6-0-2 in DEN last 8 overall.
- Over is 12-4 in LAL last 16 vs. NBA Northwest.
- Over is 20-7-2 in the last 29 meetings.
Free Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Prediction:
Denver’s depth is greater and more reliable while the Lakers have been the better defensive squad although Denver played their best defense in the three elimination games versus the Clippers.
And while the Lakers can send three different big men at Jokic including Davis the real issue will be containing Murray.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Nuggets -7
Perimeter shooting could also play a factor as the Lakers struggle to hit from deep while the Nuggets have a myriad of accurate 3-point shooters they can throw into the mix.
LA lost each opening game of the prior two series, while the Nuggets have momentum, a chip on their shoulder and can play with freedom knowing they are once again an underdog.
Expect both teams’ superstars to have great series but whichever squads support players step up, will move on to the Finals.
***NOTE*** In case you missed it…When the 2020 NBA 16-team playoff field is set, the NBA Playoffs will proceed in a traditional conference-based format with four rounds and best-of-seven series in each round. The 2020 NBA Finals will end no later than Oct. 13.
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