The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers start their Western Conference Finals series Friday with Game 1 at The Arena in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Opening tip is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nuggets-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Nuggets vs. Lakers Key injuries
Nuggets
- SG Will Barton (knee) out
Lakers
- PG Rajon Rondo (back) questionable
- SF LeBron James (groin) probable
- SG Dion Waiters (groin) doubtful
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Nuggets vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:35 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Nuggets 112, Lakers 106
Money line (ML)
The Lakers (-278) are big moneyline favorites in Game 1, but it’s the NUGGETS (+225) who are the better bet in this game. Los Angeles lost the first game in each of the first two series it has played and the Lakers have been off for just under a week. While Denver could have some tired legs after an impressive Game 7 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, look for the Nuggets to steal this contest.
Line/Against the spread (ATS)
The NUGGETS +7 (-110) are big underdogs, but are the better bet here, especially if you opt to avoid picking them on the money line. Denver has covered the spread in five of its last six games and presents some interesting matchups for Los Angeles.
Look for the first game of this series to be somewhat sloppy as the two sides try to figure one another out. Considering how large this spread is, don’t be afraid to take Denver and the points in this one.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this Game 1 is set at 211.5 points. While the Under hit in seven of the last eight games for the Nuggets, the Lakers present a lot of interesting challenges for Denver on offense.
Los Angeles’ defense typically struggles early in series, but the Lakers catch up the longer the series goes. Expect both teams to hover around 110 points in this one, allowing the OVER 211.5 (-110) to hit with relative ease.
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