Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Game 1 picks, predictions
The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets play on Tuesday in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals NBA Playoffs series.
The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MST at Ball Arena in Denver and can be seen on ESPN.
Who will win the game?
The Nuggets are a 5.5-point favorite over the Lakers, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
Denver is -210 on the moneyline, while Los Angeles is +180.
The over/under for the game is set at 222.5 points.
Sportsbook Wire: Nuggets 118, Lakers 112
It writes: "The Nuggets average just 0.8 fewer points per game (115.8) than the Lakers give up (116.6). Denver is 29-10-2 against the spread and 37-4 overall when scoring more than 116.6 points. Los Angeles has a 27-14-1 record against the spread and a 28-14 record overall when allowing fewer than 115.8 points. The Lakers score an average of 117.2 points per game, just 4.7 more points than the 112.5 the Nuggets give up."
Odds Shark: Nuggets 115.7, Lakers 111.9
The site predicts that the Nuggets will win Game 1, but it is taking the Lakers to cover the point spread. It predicts that the total will go over.
Stat Salt: Go with the Nuggets to cover vs. Lakers in Game 1
Matt Blunt writes: "The Lakers also caught an arrogant and overconfident Memphis team in the first round in Game 1, and the defending champs off an emotional Game 7 win just 48 hours earlier. Those slight edges don't exist for LA here, as Denver's dominance at home continues in Game 1 here."
Dimers: Nuggets 114, Lakers 108
It writes: "Dimers.com's predicted final score for LA Lakers vs. Denver in Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Western Conference Finals on Tuesday has the Nuggets winning 114-108."
FanDuel: Nuggets 117, Lakers 113
Devon Platana writes: "While I expect a close game, I'm siding with the Nuggets to open the series with a victory. They're just too good at Ball Arena and while the Lakers are capable of taking down any team, they really need to prove themselves in his game. It might go back and forth at times, but back Denver to stand tall at home."
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