| 2009 NBA Playoffs: LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game 1 |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Tuesday, 19 May 2009
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 The LA Lakers will be trying to get back to the NBA finals for the second straight year, while the Denver Nuggets will be trying to get there for the first time. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals begins tonight, May 19, as the Lakers (8-4) host the Nuggets (8-2). NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Lakers as -6.5 point home favs over the Nuggets with the over/under set at 214.5 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction in now at Sportsbook.comThe Nuggets have been chilling and preparing, since Wednesday night, when they eliminated the Dallas Mavericks and advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 1985. It took the Nuggets five games to eliminate the Mavs; they averaged 114.6 ppg and allowed an average 106.8 ppg. During the regular season the Lakers led the Nuggets 3-1 during four meetings. The Nuggets beat the Lakers, at the Staples Center, 90-79 after a 22 point night from Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith. The Nuggets have gone 1-10 against L.A. the last two seasons, including a four-game sweep in the first round of last year's playoffs, when Denver became the first 50-win team in league history to get swept in the first round. Coach Karl hasn't won at Staples Center since taking over as Denver's coach midway through the 2004-05 season. But that was the old Nuggets, without Chauncey Billups who has deep playoff experience. Billups said. "But like I said, we're just a totally different basketball team right now, so none of that stuff really matters. It's playoff basketball. It's a different intensity, it's a different focus. Everything is different. " The Lakers were pushed to the limit by the Houston Rockets after a baffling and erratic semi-final series. The Lakers closed out the Rockets 89-70 in Game 7 thanks to a brilliant performance on both ends of the court by Pau Gasol, who had 21 points and 18 rebounds. The Lakers were wildly inconsistent against the Rockets, looking all-world one game and then getting railroaded the next. After Game 6’s loss the Lakers decided to turn up their defense a notch, something they think they can carry into this series. The Lakers won two home games against the Nuggets, but gave up a home game loss to the Nuggets, on Feb 27. The Lakers won in Denver, 104-97 on Nov 1. The Lakers top performers during these playoffs are Kobe Bryant who’s averaging 27.4 ppg, while Pau Gasol averages 18.5 ppg and Lamar Odom averages 12.2 ppg. The Lakers must get Andrew Bynum going, he had 14pts 6 rebounds in Game 7’s win and his presents showed. Recent Trends to Consider:
2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets When: Tue, May 19, 2009 9:00 PM ET Line: Sportsbook.com Pick: Nuggets +6.5 Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets The Bottom Line: The Nuggets have risen to the next level and their dominance has shown. Chauncey Billups is great in playoff situations. Go Nuggets! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.                        |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 May 2009 ) | |||||||