Lakers vs. Nuggets 2023 NBA Playoffs Game 1 Odds and Game Preview – May 16th

By Jeff Stinger • May 16, 2023

The Lakers take another step forward following their brilliant performance versus defending champions Golden State Warriors. After overcoming the Play-In Tournament and taking down giants en route, LeBron James and the Purple and Gold are four wins away from the NBA Finals. They join the Western Conference top-seed Denver Nuggets.

The competition will be tougher than ever for head coach Darvin Ham and his band. Denver just sent home KD, Devin Booker, and the rest of the Phoenix Suns in six games. Ultimately, this is a dream matchup for basketball and betting fans.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs. We break down the upcoming playoff showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.

2023 NBA Playoffs: Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 1 Information

When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 10:00 PM ET
Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV: ESPN
Radio: SiriusXM NBA Radio
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
NBA Betting Odds: Lakers (+6.0) / Nuggets (-6.0)

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Lakers?

Los Angeles demolished the Warriors in Game 6. They finished the night with an incredible 52.0% shooting from the field and 50.% from deep. They did struggle a bit from the line at 73.8% but were the better shooters that night. More than that, the Lakers had 46 boards, and 25 assists, and kept their turnovers to only seven in four quarters.

LeBron James showed his dominant self again and scored 30 for his team. He was ten of 14 from the field and eight of 11 from the line. The four-time champion and former Cleveland Cavalier also led the game with nine assists in 43 minutes. His Laker duo, Anthony Davis, was also locked in with 20 rebounds that night. He also had 17 points and three assists. The rest of the Lakers lineup showed up to claim the final Conference Finals slot. Austin Reaves had 23 points, D’Angelo Russell had 19, and Lonnie Walker IV scored 13 off the bench.

The Lakers’ numbers are hardly reminiscent of their regular-season figures. As a team, Los Angeles averages 112.4 points per game on 47.0% shooting and 33.1% from deep. They are rebounding machines averaging 46.8 boards and terrific rim protectors getting 7.1 blocks per game.

Why Bet on the Denver Nuggets?

The Northwest Division side gets another Conference Finals appearance since their impressive 2019-20 season run. In their final Round 2 game versus the Suns, Denver recorded over 53.% shooting from the field and 36.4% from deep. They were efficient from the line and hit 29 of 31 free throws, while overpowering Phoenix in total rebounds, 41 to 29. The Western Conference leaders also showcased proper ball protection limiting turnovers to 11.

Nikola Jokic had another great playoff game versus KD and Devin Booker. He accounted for team-high stats of 32 points, ten rebounds, and 12 assists. Starting guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray were terrific that night with 21 and 26 points, respectively. Bruce Brown Jr. had 13 off the bench, while Michael Porter Jr. made the most of his 24 minutes on the floor and scored ten points and five rebounds.

Denver is arguably the best team in the playoffs right now. We see a composed group of basketball players led by Michael Malone. In 11 playoff games, the Nuggets averaged 115.8 points per game on 45.7% from the field. The Nuggets also maintain 44.4 total rebounds to go with 3.6 blocks per game.

Lakers vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

The Lakers won two of their last six road playoff games (2-4 ATS).
The Lakers won two of their last six road games versus the Nuggets (1-5 ATS).
The totals have gone under in two of the Lakers’ last five meetings with the Nuggets.
Denver won five of their last five playoff games at Ball Arena (4-1 ATS).
The Nuggets are 2-3 in their last five games against the Lakers (1-4 ATS).
The totals have gone over in two of the Nuggets’ last five meetings with the Lakers.

Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 1 Expert Betting Prediction

The Lakers are relieved to have their star big man Anthony Davis healthy in their brawl against the Warriors. They closed the series well despite a persistent Dubs squad in the way. Los Angeles’ success relied on their defense and it’s safe to say that they can put the Nuggets under pressure. Covering the spread could quickly happen given their previous performance, but a road win needs all cogs working properly to get the win.

Meanwhile, there’s nothing but good things to say about this Nuggets unit. They have both offensive and defensive ends covered and teamwork reminiscent of Gregg Popovic’s peak Spurs team. If the Lakers don’t prepare for this one, expect Denver to take control from start to finish.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting News. Stay tuned for more basketball previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest betting odds on the sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.