Lakers vs Nuggets Odds, and Picks (Game 2)

• The Lakers lost in Game 1 to the Nuggets, by a score of 132-126.
• Denver jumped out to a big early lead, and never looked back.
• The Nuggets are 3-2 on the season as a whole against Los Angeles.

The Lakers (51-44) and Nuggets (62-32) meet for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Denver led for the majority of Game 1, holding off a late surge and claiming the win. They’ll aim to repeat that here.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Los Angeles was unable to pull off another Game 1 upset, losing to the Nuggets, 132-126. They fell behind by 12 points in the first quarter, and trailed by as many as 20, before making a spirited comeback in the 2nd half. Despite the loss, the Lakers found their plan for the series in the 2nd half. They need to play better defense, to avoid losing games where the team shoots 55% from the field and 46% from 3-pt range.

The Nuggets picked up a crucial win in Game 1, improving their record at home on the year to 41-7, and 7-0 in the postseason. Denver needs to take advantage with another win in Game 2, in order to maintain home-court advantage in the series. They’ll continue to rely on superstar Nikola Jokić, who finished Game 1 with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jamal Murray also had a strong game, picking up 31 points.

Picks

It’s tempting to pick the Nuggets here, with their stellar record at home. Jokić is playing sensational basketball, and Denver has the best support around him they’ve ever had. That being said, while I still see them taking this series, the Nuggets have a big hurdle to clear in Game 2. The Lakers found some success in the 2nd half of Game 1, and have yet to lose consecutive games this postseason. Los Angeles takes it.

Moneyline:

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