The L.A. Lakers can close out the Western Conference Semi-final series against the Denver Nuggets tonight, in Denver. The Lakers lead the best of seven series 3-0 SU and they are 3-0 ATS. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Lakers as 5-point favs over the Nuggets with the over/under set at 226 ½;. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Lakers have got the Nuggets figured out in the playoffs and during the regular season. They are currently 6-0 SU against the Nuggets this season with nothing good to look forward to, except playing golf in the offseason. Kobe Bryant finished their last game with 22pts, a low for Kobe, while Derek Fisher was the best shooter on the day making 4 of 5 from the 3-point line and 5 of 8 from the field. Luke Walton is finally paying off; he came off the bench and made 6 of 7 from the field for 14pts. At one point during the game the Lakers had a commanding 24pt lead. The Lakers are 3-0 ATS during the playoffs and 5-1 ATS total against the Nuggets this season. They are averaging 117 PPG, in the best of seven series.
The Nuggets are falling apart fast. During the fourth quarter last game All-Star Allen Iverson played just over one minute, Marcus Camby didn't play at all and Kenyon Martin played just over four minutes. How do they expect to win with their best players on the bench? Carmelo Anthony was heard heckling Coach Karl, “Just don't sit there!" Anthony bellowed as his bench players hustled in the fourth quarter while his ineffective starters watched dejectedly from the bench. Allen Iverson finished with 15pts and three assists while Anthony was just 5 for 22 from the field. As a team they shot 37% from the field (32-86) and 25% beyond the arch (5-20). Teams play harder when their backs against the wall, but if they go down big by the third quarter don’t expect players to be enthused.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
- Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
- Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
- Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite.
- Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Nuggets are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 playoff games as an underdog.
- Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.
GAME: L.A. Lakers Lakers (60-25) at Denver Nuggets (50-35)
DATE/TIME: Monday, April 28 – 10:30 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 226 ½
PICK: Lakers -5
The Bottom Line: The Lakers know the Nuggets have to win so they’ll come out strong, but the Lakers know this so they’ll come out even harder. The Lakers are money against the spread in the fourth quarter. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
