Nuggets vs Lakers Odds, and Picks (Game 3)

• The Nuggets came from behind to win Game 2, 108-103.
• Los Angeles desperately needs to win at home in Game 3.
• Denver is 4-2 on the season as a whole against the Lakers.

The Nuggets (63-32) and the Lakers (51-45) face off in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Denver has been stellar at home, but will face a tougher task against the Lakers on the road in the next 2 games.

How to Watch

• ABC

Preview

Denver trailed the Lakers by 5 points at halftime in Game 2, but surged back, thanks to a huge 4th quarter by Jamal Murray. The Nuggets improved to 42-7 at home on the full season, and 8-0 in the postseason, continuing their dominance in Denver. They can close out the series with home wins in games 5 and 7, but will aim to pick up a win in this game as well, despite their 20-24 road record. Jokić continues to dominate.

The Lakers failed to hold on to their lead in Game 2, dropping behind 2-0 in the series. They have a much better chance at winning the next two games at home, but will eventually need to win on the road as well to win the series. LeBron James is 0 for 10 from 3-point range in the first two games of this matchup. Los Angeles needs him to bounce back in Game 3. Austin Reaves was their best 3-point shooter in Game 2.

Picks

I’m starting to feel a bit anxious about picking the Lakers, after they blew the lead and lost in games 1 and 2. That being said, there is a huge difference in the NBA Playoffs between playing at home and playing on the road. Denver’s 42-7 home record all of a sudden becomes 20-24 on the road, and I would expect the Lakers to take full advantage of that. This should be a close game, but I’ll take Los Angeles to get the win.

Moneyline:

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