Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions, lineups & odds: NBA WCF Game 3, 5/20
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Although this is not officially an elimination game for the Los Angeles Lakers, it is pretty much a must-win situation for them as they prepare to host the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night. Los Angeles trails the series 2-0 following a couple of hard-fought but disappointing losses in Denver. Our experts have analyzed the odds for Game 3 and are ready to bring you their Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions.
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There are no significant injury issues for either side heading into Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena. In fact, Denver does not have anyone listed on its injury report, so there should n ot be much change in the starting lineup. Here are the projected starting lineups for this matchup.
Denver Nuggets:
- PG - Jamal Murray
- SG - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- SF - Michael Porter Jr.
- PF - Aaron Gordon
- C - Nikola Jokic
Los Angeles Lakers:
- PG - D’Angelo Russell
- SG - Austin Reaves
- SF - LeBron James
- PF - Jarred Vanderbilt
- C - Anthony Davis
One of our experts’ Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions is on the under, with the game total set at 222.5 points. The Lakers showcased stellar defense throughout the first three-quarters of Game 2, especially in the first half when they held the Nuggets to 48 points. Even though Jamal Murray scored 23 points for Denver in the fourth quarter alone, the under still cashed with ease (there were 211 points scored and the game total was set at 225).
In fact, L.A. has been playing stout defense dating back to the second half of the series opener after it got embarrassed by Nikola Jokic over the first 24 minutes. At the other end of the court, the Nuggets finished the regular season second in the Western Conference in scoring defense and have done a fine job containing both James and Davis. All things considered, another under seems likely.
If you want more Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions, our experts like the home team to cover the -5.5 spread. Although Los Angeles trails the series 2-0, there were plenty of encouraging signs in Denver. The visitors almost made a miraculous comeback in Game 1 before controlling Game 2 for the majority of the first three quarters. To say that both contests were winnable for the Lakers would be a gross understatement.
It should also be noted that James and Davis are getting a ton of help – something that was not the case at various times throughout the regular season. Rui Hachimura came off the bench to score 21 points on Thursday night and Austin Reeves continued his fine form with 22 points. The Lakers were in it the whole way in Game 2 even though both James (0-for-6 from three-point range) and Davis (4-for-15 from the floor) struggled. Look for L.A. to get back on track in the Western Conference Finals in front of its home crowd.
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Los Angeles is a -5.5 favorite on Saturday, making Denver a +5.5 underdog. Both sides are priced at -110 odds. That means an $11 bet on the Lakers is successful and returns $10 of profit if they win by at least six points. An $11 wager on the Nuggets gets you $10 in winnings if they either win outright or lose by no more than five points.
The game total, or over/under, is set at 222.5 points and both sides also come with -110 odds. That means an $11 wager on the over is successful and nets $10 of winnings if the two teams combine for at least 223 points. An $11 bet on the under returns $10 in profit if no more than 222 points are scored in the game. Remember, you bet on our experts’ Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions at Caesars Sportsbook. and claim first-bet insurance up to $1,250.
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