Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Prediction and Odds: 2023 NBA Playoffs

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In a rematch from the 2020 Conference Finals, the 2023 NBA playoffs see, the top-seeded Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets drew first blood after being able to withstand a late Laker storm on the way to a 132-126 victory.

Prediction 1

Lakers Over 110.5 Points

17/20 (-118)

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Odds from

Prediction 2

Caldwell-Pope Over 1.5 Assists

6/10 (-167)

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These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers – Game Predictions

Contents

1 Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers – Game Predictions
- 1.1 Prediction 1: LA Lakers Over 110.5 Points
- 1.2 Prediction 2: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 1.5 Assists
2 Nuggets vs Lakers Preview – Can Jokic do it again?
3 Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Game Details

The Nuggets are yet to lose at home in these playoffs. They will be eager to take a 2-0 lead in a third consecutive series. However, late in game 1, the Lakers showed that they are ready to give it their all too and the stage is set for an exciting game 2 clash.

Prediction 1: LA Lakers Over 110.5 Points

The Lakers scored 126 points in game 1. They also went over 110.5 points in 7 of the previous 12 postseason matches this season. Also, the Lakers average 117.2 points per game for the season and 118.9 since the trade deadline day changes to the roster that turned their campaign around.

With LeBron and Co determined to avoid falling 0-2 in this series, we expect them to be extra aggressive and cover their total points spread for the game.

Prediction 2: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 1.5 Assists

Our next free betting tip looks at Caldwell-Pope and more specifically his chances to cover his assists spread. KCP had 3 assists in game 1 of this series. He now has played 3 consecutive games in which he registered 3 assists.

He’s averaging 1.8 assists per game this postseason and in the 4 regular season clashes vs the Lakers, he averaged 2.3 assists. All this makes us confident that he will be able to cover this spread again.

Nuggets vs Lakers Preview – Can Jokic do it again?

Nikola Jokic continues to be the most impressive all-round performer in these playoffs and after his triple double in game 1, the Joker will be determined to continue leading his Nuggets by an example. The Lakers are trying all sorts of things to stop him though and late in game 1 they had some success getting the ball out of Jokic’s hands.

Nikola will be targeted by double teams and constant switching from the start of game 2 and he will have to find a way to both find open teammates and also score his points if Denver want to remain perfect at home in the playoffs.

The Lakers started game 1 with a small lineup but once they switch to a bigger one in the second half they played much better. Rui Hachimura played the entire 4th quarter and this might be the way forward for Ham’s men in this series.

Denver Nuggets News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Nuggets remain fully fit.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report:

No injury issues

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup:

Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.

Los Angeles Lakers News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Lakers used a small lineup to start game 1 (Russell, Schroder and Reaves started). This backfired and now we expect them to switch to a bigger starting 5. Hachimura played the entire 4th quarter the other night and he did well. However, we think Vanderbilt will start the game for his defensive abilities and Hachimura will keep coming off the bench.

Just like in all of the last 5 playoff games both James and Davies are listed as day-to-day due to foot soreness. Both of them played in all of those 5 games and we expect them to suit up and play again now.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report:

LeBron James (foot) is probable and expected to play
Anthony Davis (foot) is probable and expected to play
Mo Bamba (ankle) is out for Game 2

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup:

D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

Nuggets vs Lakers Head to Head Record In 2023

These teams split the regular season series 2-2, the home team was 4-0, and every game was decided by 11-plus points. However, the last matchup was in early January, weeks before the Lakers made the moves to turn into the team they are now.