Many people doubted the Lakers heading into their play-in game vs New Orleans, but once again King James delivered a performance to remember and now they face the defending champs in the first round. A lot of people have been asking for this match-up and it came a lot earlier than everyone expected. It could be a wise move by the Lakers, Denver is arguably the only team that can stop them in the West, if they can somehow surprise them in the opening round then the path is wide open for a potential NBA Finals appearance. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves though. LA has lost 8 straight vs the Nuggets, including a 4-game sweep in last season’s conference finals. They’re also winless in their last 5 visits to Ball Arena and have failed to cover in 5 straight meetings.
Comparing this season’s Nuggets to the ones that won the title last year, some people would say this is a slightly weaker team. I’m not of that opinion, I think health is going to be the only factor that determines this series. If Jamal Murray can remain healthy here then the Nuggets should be winning this series in 6 games at most. Denver ended the regular season 4-1 SU/ATS, all of their top players are in peak form, especially Nikola Jokic who will most likely win his 3rd regular season MVP award. Denver is 9-2 SU in their last 11 home games, they’ve also covered in 4 of their last 6 overall when they are the favorite. One worrying stat if you’re a Nuggets fan is the fact that they are just 4-8 ATS in their last 12 vs Western Conference opponents.
