NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 2 – Odds, Prediction, & Start Time

Even in defeat, the Los Angeles Lakers (7-seed in the Western Conference) are proving that they belong on the same court with the Denver Nuggets. If you like offensive production from superstars, this was the game for you. Nikola Jokic, snubbed from a third-straight NBA MVP award, is likely happier over the fact that he’s still playing basketball at this time of year. After averaging a triple-double in the last series against Phoenix, he did so again in Game 1. Jokic had 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists in one of the all-around best playoff games of all time. The Lakers made a game of it behind Anthony Davis’ 40-point effort, but in the end, Denver prevailed 132-126 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is Thursday night. We have a preview and a look at the odds for Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 2.

The Lakers were unable to do what they did in the first two rounds of the playoffs: win Game 1 on the road. But after a miserable start, the adjustments made by head coach Darvin Ham in the second half helped close the gap. After allowing 72 points at halftime and trailing by as many as 21 in the third quarter, LA closed to within three points late in the fourth quarter. When Rui Hachimura guarded Jokic and Davis roamed the back line, Denver’s offensive production went from 1.45 points per play to 0.67 points per play.

It’s a small sample size, and expect Denver head coach Mike Malone to make adjustments to try and take advantage of the size difference–Jokic outweighs Hachimura by 50 pounds. In addition to Davis’ 40 points, LeBron James scored 26. Of that total, 15 came after halftime once the pick-and-roll started becoming more effective. Expect the Lakers to use some of the lessons they learned in the second half in their game plan for Thursday’s Game 2.

Jokic’s big night started right out of the gate. He had eight points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the opening quarter. No one has had a first 12 minutes of a playoff game like that. It’s the first time in 25 years–regular season or playoffs–that a player pulled down 12 boards and had five assists in any quarter. Jokic also outrebounded LA by himself in the first half, 16-13. Included in his big night was a contested 3-pointer to give Denver some breathing room while the Lakers tried to mount a comeback.

Jamal Murray’s 31 points felt like an afterthought compared to Jokic’s performance, but it was a key part of the victory as well. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 21, and Michael Porter had a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) in the highest-scoring conference finals game (with no overtime) since Detroit beat Boston 145-119 in 1987. Denver is now a -250 favorite to win this series and just behind Boston for the championship in NBA futures betting.

If you bet on Game 1, the outcome was based on how well you shopped. Denver won by six, but depending on the sportsbook, you could have won at -5.5, pushed, or lost at -6.5. Game 2’s odds are slightly tighter, as the markets have Denver as a -5.5 favorite. You can push it down to -5, but it would be at -122 odds instead of -110. The consensus over-under total is 226.5.

Looking at the total, the Lakers have scored at least 122 in three of their last five games. Denver hasn’t been below 118 in their last four. That adds up to 240, so it feels like there’s value in the over. As for the game’s outcome, Denver improved to 7-0 at Ball Arena with the Game 1 win. The Lakers left feeling like they figured something out after a tough first half. LA, however, was outrebounded 47-30. Denver comes into Game 2 in a position of strength.

Prediction: Nuggets, 124-117