Los Angeles Lakers Denver Nuggets Game 1 Predictions
Written May 18, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The Western Conference Finals are set, as the No.1 seeded Los Angeles Lakers are ready to take on the No.2 seeded Denver Nuggets. While the Nuggets have cruised through the first two rounds, the Lakers have had some troubles and are no longer a lock to make it back to the NBA Finals. The Nuggets took care of the New Orleans Hornets in the first round 4 games to 1, and then did the same to the Dallas Mavericks in round 2. The Lakers won their first round matchup with the Utah Jazz 4 games to 1, but really struggled against the Rockets, needing 7 games to finish them off. It’s not as if everyone expected the Lakers to sweep the Rockets, but the fact that they lost two games to the Rockets who were without Yao Ming, really questions this team’s motivation. I can assure you that if the Lakers think they can just cruise along and play when they want against the Nuggets, they won’t be heading back to the NBA Finals. With Game 1 in Los Angeles set for Wednesday night, here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.Â
What the Nuggets have to do to win: It can be argued that the Nuggets are playing the basketball of any team in the postseason, and a big reason for that is the play of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Anthony comes in averaging a solid 27 points and 6 rebounds per game, while Billups comes in averaging 22 points and 7 assists a game. Both of these players are going to have to be on in this series, and in my opinion the most important player in this series is Billups. If you remember back when the Piston took on the Lakers in the NBA finals a few years back, it was Billups who led Detroit to an upset win over the Lakers for the NBA Championship. Besides the big two the Nuggets need Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Chris Anderson to really play physical basketball with the Lakers, as I think these 3 guys can really give Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum some troubles. The Nuggets are also going to need J.R. Smith to keep up his outstanding play of the bench, as he is averaging a solid 16 points a game. Unlike years past the Nuggets are really playing some solid defense, and there is no question defense will be the key to the Nuggets making it to the NBA Finals. Bet the Nuggets +6.5 to win game 1 at Sportsbook.com.Â
What the Lakers have to do to win: Even though the Lakers seemingly played when they felt it necessary against the Rockets in round 2, I think they understand that it won’t be that simple against the Nuggets. Kobe Bryant comes in averaging just over 27 points per game, but has really taken a lot of shots for the Lakers this postseason. I know that Bryant is one of the best players, if not the best player in the game, but unless he gets his team going they are going to really struggle when he is not making his shots. Gasol has had his moments this postseason, but I wasn’t very impressed with him against the Rockets once Ming was out of the lineup. Lamar Odom’s health is going to be a big factor in this series, and while his back is getting better, he is about to go up against some very physical players and it will be interesting to see if his back can hold up. It’s hard telling what to expect from the young center Andrew Bynum, but whatever productivity they get out of the big man will really help this team’s chances of moving on to the NBA Finals. I feel like the role players for the Lakers are very important in this series, as they need a couple guys to step up each and every game, or the Nuggets bench is going to dominate this series. I hope to see a much more focused Lakers team in this series, as it has the makings of being a classic between two rivals out west. Bet the Lakers -6.5 to win game 1 at Sportsbook.com.
My Prediction: Nuggets +6.5. I feel like this is going to come down to the wire, so I am still giving the Lakers a shot at winning this game, but I feel like Denver gives the Lakers all they can handle. The Nuggets are fresh and well rested, so if they can come out and just keep the game close for the first half, I feel like they can really ware down the Lakers in the 2nd half. I look for Billups to have a huge game 1 and series against the Lakers, as he can carry this Denver team to the upset.Â
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on the Lakers Nuggets series, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds at Betfirms.
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One Response to “Los Angeles Lakers Denver Nuggets Game 1 Predictions”
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Just another la laker ref. buy out. Why even play against nuggets. Denver don’t have a chance Laker’s always seems 2 prevail by not getting calls and getting away with fouls. We all know NBA association want it 2 be a Lebron and Kobe matchup.
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