Los Angeles Lakers Denver Nuggets Game 2 Predictions

Written May 21, 2009 by Jason Lowry

lakers-nuggets-basketball The Denver Nuggets nearly stole game 1 away from the Los Angeles Lakers, but thanks to Kobe Bryant the Lakers were able to walk away with a 105-103 victory. Byrant had a game high 40 points, and really picked it up at the end of the game, including 6 straight free throws to end the game in the final 30 seconds. It was a good thing Bryant came out strong, as the rest of the Lakers really struggled to get it going. Pau Gasol had 13 points and 14 rebounds and Dereck Fisher also chipped in 13, but they were the only other players to reach double figures. Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum each had just 6 points, and Lamar Odom had just 7 off the bench. For the Nuggets Carmelo Anthony was simply on fire, scoring 39 points on 14-20 shooting. Chauncey Billups added 18 points, Kenyon Martin had 15, and Nene dropped in 14. Both J.R. Smith and Chris Anderson came off the bench to score 8 points, but where the Nuggets really struggled was at the free throw line, as they were just 8-19 from the charity strike. Game 2 is set to get underway Thursday night from Los Angeles, and 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.

What the Nuggets have to do to win: First off the Nuggets have to put game 1 behind them, as that is no easy loss to swallow. The Nuggets need to continue to play with the same intensity and energy they showed in game 1, as they really came out ready to go. The free throw shooting is likely the biggest reason this team didn’t win game 1, and they have to improve the rest of this series or they could continue to struggle to win the close games. Anthony was amazing in game 1, but I think they need to get a little more out of Billups, who was just 5-13 from the field. Smith injured his knee in game 1, and its still unclear if he will be able to go in game 2, and if he can’t play it really hurts the bench play of this team. I was impressed with the way that Nene and Martin played on both sides of the ball in game 1, and I think its huge for this team that they continue to play like this the rest of the way. The defense was good as they turned the Lakers into a one man show, and I think that is the best bet they have in winning game 2 and this series. Bet Denver +5.5 to win game 2 at Sportsbook.com.

What the Lakers need to do to win: Someone needs to tell this team they are in the playoffs fighter for an NBA Championship, as everyone but Bryant looked flat in game 1. Gasol has to be more of a factor for this team, as he continues to have some struggles with more physical teams. Bryant was outstanding in game 1, and this team is going to be very hard to beat if he plays like this the rest of the way. I liked the way Fisher played in game 1, but the Lakers need to get more out of either Ariza, Bynum, or Odom, as all 3 struggled to get much of anything going in game 1. The Lakers dominated the glass, including 17 offensive rebounds, and if they can continue to attack the glass it will go a long way in this team winning game 2. There was no question that the Lakers were out played for almost the entire game Tuesday night, and this team has to come out with a little more fire in game 2, or the Nuggets are going to win this game. Bet Los Angeles -5.5 to win game 2 at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: Lakers -5.5. As good as Denver played in game 1, something has to be said about the Lakers winning that game playing as bad as they did. I think this team comes out ready to go in game 2, and you have to remember this is a Lakers team that has owned the Nuggets of late in the postseason, as they have now won 11 straight against Denver in the playoffs.

For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on the game this Thursday, 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 2 Predictions”

lakerdade on May 21st, 2009 8:37 am

The Lakers need to take advantage of their big men in the paint with defense and offense. Shaquille Oneal was only 1 man and he controlled the paint in both offense and defense all by himself. Now, why can’t the 3 big men (Gasol, Bynum, Odom) of Lakers do that as a team. If Phil does not ignite a fire underneath their asses soon, series will end in 6 games Denver goes to Finals………..

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