Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 2 Betting prediction & Analysis

Los Angeles Lakers (43-39 SU, 49-44-3 ATS) vs. Denver Nuggets (53-29 SU, 51-42-1 ATS)
When: Thursday, May 18th, 8:30 PM (ET)
Where: Ball Arena, CO, Denver
TV: ESPN

Point Spread: LAL +5.5/Den -5.5
Total: 226.5
Money Line: Los Angeles Lakers +178/-216

Notable Injuries

Lakers

• Anthony Davis (Probable) Foot
• LeBron James (Probable) Foot
• Mo Bamba (Out) Ankle

Nuggets

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Los Angeles is 43-39 overall. When taking to the road, Los Angeles has a mark of 20-21 and a win percentage of 49%. Currently, the team is 7th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 49-44-3 vs the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs the spread, they are 3-2 in their past 5 games, and 4-1 ATS. Over their past 10 games, they are 6-4 SU and 7-3 ATS.

Los Angeles will be looking to shake off a 132-126 loss to the Nuggets. Anthony Davis finished the game with a team-high 40 points on 60.9%. In terms of betting, the Lakers covered the spread. Heading into the game, they were 6-point underdogs.

Heading into the game, Denver is 53-29 overall. When playing at home, Denver has a mark of 34-7 and a win percentage of 83%. Currently, the team is 1st in the Western Conference. So far, they are 51-42-1 vs the spread. Denver will look to stay hot in today’s game vs Los Angeles as they are the winners of 3 straight games.

Most recently, the Nuggets took down the Lakers by a score of 132-126. Nikola Jokic finished with 34 points, which was the most on the team. Denver did not cover the spread as 6-point favorites.

The Historicals

In the most recent game between the two teams, the Nuggets picked up a 132-126 win over the Lakers. However, heading into the game, Denver was favored to win by 6.5 points, giving the Lakers an ATS victory. So far this season, the Nuggets have a record of 3-2 vs the Lakers. When looking at how these teams have performed against the spread in recent matchups, the Lakers hold the edge at 3-1-1. A combined average of 232 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

This season, Los Angeles is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 117.2 points per game. So far, the Lakers are also one of the more up-tempo teams in the league, sitting at 101.8 possessions per game. Los Angeles has struggled with their 3-point shot this season, as they are currently ranked just 35th in 3-point shooting percentage at 34.6%. In addition, they are near the bottom of the league in attempts, at just 31.2 attempts per contest. Defense has been a struggle for Los Angeles, as they are currently allowing 115.15 points per game. In terms of their 3-point defense, opposing teams have hit 35.38% of their looks from deep, placing the Lakers 18th in the NBA.

Going into today’s game, LeBron James is the leading scorer for the Los Angeles team with an average of 28.9 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 50.0%. The team’s second top scorer is Anthony Davis, who is averaging 25.9 points per game.

This year, Denver is averaging 115.8 points per game. Their strong production has come despite being one of the slower-paced teams in the NBA at just 97.9 possessions per game. Denver comes into the game ranked 3rd in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.9%. On defense, the Nuggets are allowing an average of 110.41 points per game, placing them 14th in the league. So far, they have done a good job defending the 3-point arc, as teams are hitting just 34.42% of their looks from deep.

Going into today’s game, Nikola Jokic is the leading scorer for the Denver team, with an average of 24.5 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 63.2%. The team’s second top scorer is Jamal Murray, who is averaging 20.0 points per game.

Betting Trends

• The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
• The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Austin Reaves has been getting major run with regards to minutes and usage both. Denver’s back court defense is pretty weak. I like him to go OVER 23.5 points, rebounds and assists combined. Bet the rest of your NBA playoffs picks for FREE by scoring a 100% real cash bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 when you enter bonus code PREDICTEM on the special offers page (directly after you make your first deposit and before you place your first bet) at the web’s oldest and most trusted online bookie: Everygame Sportsbook! (Formerly Intertops – Online since the 1990’s!)

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