Lakers vs. Nuggets prediction, odds: 2023 NBA Western Conference finals picks, Game 3 bets by proven model
The 2023 NBA Western Conference finals continues with a high-profile matchup on Saturday evening. Crypto.com Arena hosts Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver leads the best-of-seven series by a 2-0 margin after a narrow win in Game 2 on Thursday. LeBron James (foot) and Anthony Davis (foot) are listed as probable for the Lakers, with Mo Bamba (ankle) ruled out. Denver enters with a clean injury report.
Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles. Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the 5.5-point home favorite, while the over/under, or total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, is 222.5 in the latest Lakers vs. Nuggets odds. Before making any Nuggets vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the conference finals of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 72-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,900. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Nuggets and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Nuggets vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Nuggets spread: Lakers -5.5
- Lakers vs. Nuggets over/under: 222.5 points
- Lakers vs. Nuggets money line: Lakers -260, Nuggets +210
- DEN: The Nuggets are 21-25 against the spread in road games
- LAL: The Lakers are 27-21 against the spread in home games
- Lakers vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game| Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
Why the Nuggets can cover
Denver's offense is incredibly potent, providing an impressive baseline for the team's overall profile. The Nuggets lead the 2023 NBA playoffs in scoring 118.9 points per 100 possessions, including 1.20 points per possession against a fantastic Lakers defense. Denver is shooting 49.0% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range in the postseason, and the Nuggets are converting more than 41% of 3-point attempts in the series.
The Nuggets also excel in taking care of the ball, committing only 11.8 turnovers per game during the playoffs, and Denver is averaging 28.0 assists per contest over the first two games against Los Angeles. The Nuggets also produce second-chance points with a 31% offensive rebound rate in the playoffs, and no team is averaging more points in the paint (52.8 per game) during the postseason than Denver. Denver is also focused on taking advantage of transition opportunities, averaging 17.0 fast break points per game in the playoffs and 20.5 fast break points per game against Los Angeles. See which team to back here.
Why the Lakers can cover
While Los Angeles faces a difficult situation with a 2-0 series deficit, the Lakers are dominant at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are 6-0 at home during the playoffs, out-scoring opponents by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. That level of dominance should inspire confidence for Los Angeles, and the Lakers have strong metrics on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles is averaging 24.4 free throw attempts, 16.4 fast break points, 50.0 points in the paint and 25.1 assists per game during the playoffs. The Lakers are also committing only 12.4 turnovers per game, a stellar figure, and Los Angeles is converting more than 49% of field goal attempts against Denver.
James is a proven playoff entity, and Davis has been one of the best players in the postseason. Davis is averaging 29 points and 12 rebounds per game in the series, and he is leading the 2023 NBA playoffs with 13.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocked shots per game. Davis anchors a defense that is holding opponents to only 1.08 points per possession in the playoffs, including 0.98 points per possession in home games. See which team to back here.
How to make Nuggets vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 229 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Game 3 of Lakers vs. Nuggets in the NBA Western Conference finals 2023, and which side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has has gone 72-38 on its top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
