Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Picks took on something that could have gone poorly. However, luck and several backdoor hits later led to a profitable night. Denver won the battle, Los Angeles helped win the war, and everyone marveled at all the points. MyBookie online betting sportsbook examines more possibilities in this Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.
Nuggets vs Lakers Picks learned some things after Tuesday night. Again, this is because Denver plays at a pace that no team can match when they get going. However, there lies a flip side to all of this. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of those few teams that can still dictate a game by simply doggedly playing to their strengths. It almost caused an improbable comeback that could have tilted the series in the West.
At one point on Tuesday, Nikola Jokic had outrebounded the entire Los Angeles team. Denver went up by as many as 20+ points. It looked like that Lakers-Warriors game where Golden State blew out the barn doors versus Los Angeles. However, this felt different. Gradually, Darvin Ham made adjustments, and little by little, the Lakers chipped away at what appeared to be an impossible deficit.
What a comeback from the Lakers, now only a three-point game. Nuggets not finding any answers.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 17, 2023
Darvin Ham’s in-game adjustments continue to shine for Los Angeles.
So, is Denver vulnerable at home? At first, this sounds insane. However, dig deeper a bit. The demolition the Nuggets unleashed on Phoenix in Game 6 was epic. Denver scored 81 points in the first half and coasted. This time, the Nuggets were up 18 (72-54), but the Lakers were not going away. Los Angeles shot well throughout but got to the foul line more and more in the second half. Only a few LeBron James turnovers foiled Los Angeles.
Yes, Denver can lose at home. Before the Chris Paul injury, Phoenix was up late in Game 2. Then, Denver found its legs and won the game in the fourth quarter. That was Phoenix and a game where much change was occurring. Los Angeles keeps attacking and chipping. Even Jokic started to slow down offensively when Rui Hachimura clamped down defensively. The spread tumbled to 5.5 points, and yet the Lakers can cover this one, too, on Thursday.
Okay, the Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Picks call an audible of sorts. If Los Angeles can shoot well over 50% again, or even close, Denver may be in trouble from the start this time. Denver coach Michael Malone may not have the edge most believed against Darvin Ham. Ham made some magic happen, much like in the first two series. This was not something which could merely be dismissed by score effects.
At Vegas Betting, we wonder about a split in Denver. We will worry about any counter-splits later. The belief is that Los Angeles showed some things in the second half. Yes, Denver still scored 60 points in the second half. On the other hand, the Lakers defensively began to slow the Nuggets down little by little. Meanwhile, Los Angeles and its physical game started to pay dividends from the paint and outside the arc too.
Denver Nuggets: 132
— NBA Recap Bot (@nba_recap_bot) May 17, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers: 126#MileHighBasketball | #LakeShow | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/lo8cqRxz4U
Naturally, the risk lies in does Denver clean up their defensive switches. They were an issue for large stretches of the Phoenix series too. The difference between Phoenix and Los Angeles is that the Lakers’ frontcourt can attack inside and not need to shoot all those perimeter shots. Also, when Denver goes cold, Los Angeles can pounce by getting to the foul line. That is something the Suns never did well.
NBA online betting sites like Denver overall, but definitely think this is a series that can go six or seven games. Since no one seemingly can cover LeBron or Anthony Davis sometimes, there is a feeling that Los Angeles needs to start better. Get Hachimura in to start, mix in Austin Reaves better, and give up fewer offensive rebounds. Darvin Ham and James know what works now. The Nuggets vs Lakers Picks are like surfing the Lakers moneyline.
The Nuggets vs Lakers picks ask when we can turn to the props? So, with props, there are always a few more wagers available in the playoffs. It is the best thing when teams play in a best-of-seven. Load management and changing opponents get taken out of the equation. Teams get familiar with one another as the true game of chess begins.
NBA prop bets from Vegas float out some other wagers too. Anthony Davis outscored Nikola Jokic in Game 1. Let’s not push that one again. It was a lucky hit that should not have happened. Instead, how about some fun game props? LeBron will outscore anyone not named Jokic, by the way. The King just has to hold on to the ball. The first half over for points can be moved to 116.5 (+105). Betting there is a solid plan.
Another prop is the Lakers game total for points. The Lakers, at a mere 111, are -110. Bump that up to 114.5 for some plus-money wagers (+115). This is a Lakers team that averaged 117.2 points per game. It’s a fun risk bet to make besides the norm.
Here at VegasBetting, do not forget about the East. That Friday, Game 2 between Boston and Miami should be a gold mine for market wager corrections.
Chris Wassel is a skilled scribe who possesses a fervor for both sports and entertainment. Boasting a journalism background and over two decades of experience, he has crafted pieces that encompass a diverse array of sports including hockey, basketball, football, and others. His writing is characterized by its lucidity and sharpness, and provides a unique viewpoint on entertainment and political matters. While Chris primarily focuses on sports writing, he also writes about a wide range of subjects.