After two dog-fights, Lakers-Nuggets Game 3 is upon us.
Los Angeles couldn’t steal a game in Denver, and it’s now or never to make this a series.
With the most critical game looming, let’s break down the best bets for the game.
All odds, spreads, and lines are provided courtesy of BetMGM.
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Best Picks for Lakers-Nuggets Game 3
Lakers -5.5, -110
Two horrid bad beats struck in Game 1 and Game 2 with the spread picks, but this one feels safer than the last two.
LA is essentially in a do-or-die situation, as no team has ever come back down 3-0 in a series.
Both games of the series could have easily gone the Lakers way if just a few more balls bounced their way, and they’ll have the added bonus of their home crowd behind them now.
The Lakers have yet to lose at home in the playoffs so far, and they desperately need Game 3.
If Los Angeles ends up winning by 5, I may never pick a spread again.
Under 222.5, -110
Game 2’s over/under was always a trap, and it played out beautifully.
The Lakers tend to start off really hot at home, and their defense comes out even stronger.
This game isn’t going to be fast-paced. However, the key for LA’s defense is getting back in transition.
I compiled the Lakers live miss transition defensive tape from G2. Denver loves to push off of the misses.
Lakers have to be more disciplined and get back on defense. pic.twitter.com/JMrQ3cC05g
— Vinay K. (@vkillem) May 19, 2023
There were shooting struggles everywhere in Game 2, and the environment in LA makes it tough for any opponent to get hot.
Denver will not get blown out, and it’s hard to predict a high-scoring game in a desperate situation for LA.
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points, -105
The Unibrow Paradox has taken quite a few turns recently, but Anthony Davis just had his worst offensive performance of the postseason in Game 2.
Davis shot 4/15 in an abysmal shooting display.
The positive take away from that game is that AD hasn’t struggled in consecutive games in the playoffs.
He has been very consistent about playing stronger after a poor game, and it’s hard to believe he’ll put up another dud in this critical Game 3.
Parlay of the Game for Lakers-Nuggets Game 3
Lakers ML,
LeBron James Under 25.5 Points,
Jamal Murray Under 25.5 Points,
+350
A Lakers’ loss would shake the sports world like an earthquake.
LeBron James is not going down 3-0 in a series with possibly his best supporting cast he’s ever had.
However, he’s not going to be the guy to propel them to a win with an influx of points.
LeBron will continue to prove himself valuable everywhere on the basketball court, and (hopefully/ finally) hit a 3.
Jamal Murray has been incredible in the first two games of this series, carrying the Nuggets to a win in Game 2.
Denver Nuggets 4th Quarter Scoring Plays:
MPJ 3
Murray 2
Murray 3
Murray 3
Brown 3
Murray 3
MPJ 3
Murray 3
Murray 2
Murray FT
Murray FT
Murray FT
Murray FT
Murray FT
Murray FT
Murray FT— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 19, 2023
However, he won’t have another 20+ point quarter. And the Lakers should make adjustments to slow him down.
A 24-point performance is nothing to look down upon, but his production should slip just a bit going into Los Angeles.
Free Picks for Lakers-Nuggets Game 3
In addition to the Best Picks and the Parlay of the Game, here are a few more free picks ahead of this exciting matchup.
Nuggets 1Q ML, +175
Lakers to Win by 6-10, +425
LeBron James to Record a Triple-Double, +500
Austin Reaves Under 16.5 points, -130
Anthony Davis, Top Point Scorer, +380
A few of these picks are somewhat of a longshot, but have great value when you break them down.
Game 3 will be at 5:30 Pacific Time (8:30 ET) Saturday evening on ESPN.
