LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds Favorites To Go Up 2-0
The first games of the 2023 NBA Playoffs were riddled with upsets and injuries. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Tyler Herro all suffered injuries that could keep them out for more than one game.
Herro is set to miss 4-to-6 weeks, while Giannis and Morant are day-to-day due to brutal falls on dribble drives. The championship door is opening for some NBA futures underdogs like the Los Angeles Lakers, who could take advantage of their opponent’s bad luck. The Lakers are favored in their game on Wednesday night.
The betting odds, game locations, tip-off times and current playoff records are listed below for the Game 2 battles: Los Angeles (Lakers) versus Memphis, Miami versus Milwaukee and Minnesota versus Denver.
Los Angeles Lakers (1-0) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (0-1)
An unfortunate fall from a collision with Anthony Davis near the rim has put into question Ja Morant’s availability for Game 2. This would be a catastrophic loss for a Grizzlies team that lost Game 1 at home to the Los Angeles Lakers, who looked incredible from the tip to the final horn.
If Morant cannot play, Tyus Jones will be expected to fill in as starting point guard and help lead Memphis to a must-win home game against LeBron and the Lakers.
Los Angeles got some much-needed help from Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves in Game 1, brightening the outlook for this team in not only the first round but future series, too. Hachimura and Reaves combined for an astounding 52 points on 19-27 shooting from the field. While Los Angeles should not expect to get that kind of output again from those two in conjunction, it’s incredibly promising for a team that finally has the depth, health and chemistry to make a run.
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: FedEx Forum (Memphis, TN)
Betting Odds Summary
- Spread: Lakers -1 (-110), Grizzlies +1 (-110)
- Moneyline: Lakers -115, Grizzlies -105
- Total: Over/Under 227 Points (-110/-110)
The Lakers are +1100 to win the NBA Championship at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Grizzlies are +4000. Oddsmakers clearly favor LeBron et al. to advance in this series.
Miami Heat (1-0) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (0-1)
After a shocking Game 1 road win against the then championship favorites, Miami does not need to feel pressure in this spot, as it has now flipped the Bucks’ home-court advantage in its favor.
The Heat put all their offensive struggles this season in the backseat, dropping 130 points on a ludicrous team shooting split of 60/60/71. While it would be ridiculous to expect this sort of efficiency again, the Heat must feel good about where they stand. However, a broken hand for Tyler Herro could dampen the positive momentum they finally generated.
Despite an unfortunate Game 1 loss, Milwaukee should feel blessed. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, took a scary fall, landing hard on his back. The diagnosis was a “lower back contusion,” but Giannis is still listed as day-to-day and could be back for Game 2. However, the latest injury report lists him as doubtful.
While Sunday’s game could be described as a mess, Milwaukee should put it in the rearview and tighten up its defense, dominate in the paint and crash the glass like it has all season.
- Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI)
Betting Odds Summary
- Spread: Heat +6.5 (-110), Bucks -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Heat +220, Bucks -260
- Total: Over/Under 219.5 Points (-110/-110)
The Heat are +10000 to win the NBA Championship at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Bucks are +350. Oddsmakers now give the Bucks the second-best odds to take home the title.
Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) vs. Denver Nuggets (1-0)
The Denver Nuggets controlled Game 1 from beginning until end, dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves in every facet. Minnesota shot 37% from the field and 31% from behind the arc, only putting up 80 points for the whole game. The chemistry and body language do not look good for the Timberwolves right now; it would take a colossal awakening for this team to squeak out a Game 2 road win and even up the series at 1-1 on Wednesday night.
In Game 1, Denver looked as dangerous as it has for most of the 2022-23 regular season, delegating its offensive output and not relying too heavily on any one player. The Nuggets had six players in double figures and only needed to play most of their starters between 25-30 minutes, giving them a significant advantage coming into Game 2. Further, they displayed their dominance by crashing the glass and scoring in the paint, where they were able to create a double-digit margin in those categories.
- Start Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Ball Arena (Denver, CO)
Betting Odds Summary
- Spread: Timberwolves +8 (-105), Nuggets -8 (-115)
- Moneyline: Timberwolves +290, Nuggets -350
- Total: Over/Under 222.5 Points (-110/-110)
The Timberwolves are +50000 to win the NBA Championship at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Nuggets are +900. Oddsmakers overwhelmingly favor the Nuggets to advance.
