The Denver Nuggets are up 3-0 in the series, but we expect the LA Lakers to show a bit more fight and make this series exciting! Have a look at the article below to see out full tips & predictions for Lakers vs Nuggets Game 4 on May 22nd.
Lakers vs Nuggets Winner Prediction
Predicting the correct score of basketball games is rarely possible and not at all profitable. However, when we looked at the 1×2 market we found something very interesting.
A draw is very unlikely, and we see the Lakers as the team worth backing tonight. Their backs are against the wall here and with the support of the home fans, they have a solid shot of keeping the Nuggets at bay.
Although we expect the Lakers to come away with the win tonight, we don’t believe they should be favoured this much. We see the handicap market for full-time as incorrect and are looking at the 1st half handicap for some value.
The Lakers know they need to come out swinging as soon as the basketball hits the floor. Their defensive effort should be at the highest level possible and we expect a strong first half in that regard. We are backing them to have at least a 2-point lead at the half-time break at 4/5 odds.
Total Points Scored Predictions
Game 1 between these two teams was very high-scoring, ending with a combined 158 total points in regulation. The next 2 were the complete opposite, finishing with 211 and 227 total points.
As this series has moved along, both coaches have managed to adjust their defensive schemes and the field goal percentages of both teams have been lowered.
The total points line is set at 224.5 points and we see that as a bit too high. We expect another defence-heavy game tonight and we are taking the Under at 10/11 odds.
Prop Bets Predictions
Lebron James has been the unquestioned leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 23 points, 6.3 assists and 9.9 rebounds in the playoffs. Most betting sites are expecting him to have a huge offensive night with his total assists line being set at 8.5 at Betking.
He is known as a player who rises to the occasion in the playoffs, especially in elimination games.
But we don’t see this as a smart bet. Although he has had more than 8 assists in each of the first 3 games, we expect him to take matters into his own hands tonight.
There are a lot of betting offers for player props tonight, but we are taking the Under on 8.5 assists for Lebron James at 81/100.
Our Analysis of the Lakers vs Nuggets Game
The Denver Nuggets are in amazing form right now and it certainly seems like nothing can stop them. Coach Malone is getting key contributions from his 8-man rotation and it’s evident that this is not just Nikola Jokic pulling all the weight this year.
However, the Nuggets’ net rating drops 3 times when they are playing on the road and even though they won Game 3 at Crypto.com, it was definitely close to being 2-1.
Jamal Murray was the saving grace in the 4th quarter. But it makes you wonder what would have happened if his cold streak continued.
The key player for the Nuggets tonight will be Jamal Murray. He has been amazing in this series but if the Nuggets don’t receive his productivity tonight, there will be a Game 5 in Denver.
The Lakers have been playing great defence during this playoff tournament, especially on the road, ranking 1st in defensive rating and allowing just 102.1 points per game. Their rebounding was also terrific last game, grabbing 11 offensive boards compared to the Nuggets’ 5.
The key player for the Lakers tonight will be D’Angelo Russell. He has had an amazing season with the Lakers so far but his performance in this series has been terrible, averaging 7 points, 4 assists per game, shooting 29% from the field and 14% from behind the 3-point line.
Top Scorers Predictions for Lakers vs Nuggets
Lebron James has faced multiple elimination games in his career and has gone all out each time out. Despite the foot soreness and the 38 years under his belt, he is still the leader of this Lakers team and usually leads by example.
We expect him to try and put the team on his back tonight and carry the Lakers to a victory in Game 4.
Lakers to Fight Back
Teams that have had 3-0 leads in playoff series have historically won the series 146 times and lost 0.
This should tell you everything you need to know about the Lakers’ chances of winning this series. However, they do have a chance tonight. In fact, the Lakers are the clear favourite to run away with this one, priced at 8/13 to win in regulation at most bookmakers.
Although we don’t see this price as having a ton of betting value, it is a very likely outcome. We can see why the bookmakers are giving them an edge.
Lakers vs Nuggets Last 3 Results
These two teams have split their 4 meetings in the regular season this year, with both sides defending home court. Their head-to-head results in the playoffs have all gone Denver’s way and the results are as follows:
- Game 1: 132-126
- Game 2: 108:103
- Game 3: 108:119
Lakers vs Nuggets Odds
The Denver Nuggets were the clear favourites for both Game 1 and Game 2, receiving 2/5 and 4/9 odds respectively.
In game 3, the Lakers were available at 4/9 to get the job done. But the price has risen for Game 4 to 8/13 at bet9ja. The Nuggets are priced at 5/4 odds to win in regulation.
All odds were correct as of 13:00 on 22nd May 2023. Odds may now differ.
