Sunday, September 22, 2020, AdventHealth Arena, Kissimmee, Florida, 9 p.m. ET
Lakers at Nuggets Betting Preview: Lakers (-6.5/-270), Nuggets (+6.5/+220)
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James got things going for the Lakers in Game 2, while Anthony Davis finished off the victory, as the team’s two mega-watt stars keep rising to the occasion. James scored the Lakers’ opening 12 points and had 20 by halftime, with 26 in the game. Davis hit the game-winning 3-pointer and scored a game-high 31, including his team’s final 10.
The Lakers shot 44.6 percent from the field after shooting 53.0 percent in Game 1 and scoring opportunities figure to get only harder from here against the Nuggets. The Lakers shot just 40 percent in the second half and recovered after blowing a 16-point lead.
With James’ playmaking abilities curtailed (four assists), Rajon Rondo dished out nine assists off the bench.
Denver Nuggets
Like clockwork, if it’s Game 2 in a series involving the Nuggets, chances are that changes are happening. The difference is that unlike in Game 2 of the previous series, the Nuggets didn’t win the second game this time, but they made their presence known.
The Nuggets not only erased a 16-point deficit on Sunday, they found a flow offensively late in the game. Those two traits are what have served the Nuggets well in the playoffs so far. Denver shot 52.4 percent in the third quarter Sunday and 50.0 percent in the fourth.
Nikola Jokic scored 30 points for Denver, asserting himself to the tune of 12 free-throw attempts (making 11) and 12 fourth-quarter points. Jamal Murray had 25 for Denver.
Lakers at Nuggets Betting Pick for Game 3
The Nuggets continue to show how to make improvements as they get deeper into the series and their Game 2 effort was no exception, even in the defeat. Jokic found his legs in Game 2 and more of the same will be needed as he tries to match his inside-out game with Davis.
James was the entire early offense for the Lakers, going 5 of 7 in the first quarter, but had to watch his teammates go 6 of 18 in the opening 12 minutes.
Lakers at Nuggets Betting Pick:
Nuggets 108, Lakers 105
Lakers at Nuggets Best Bet for Game 3
In Game 2, the Nuggets appeared to be following their script of a big rally helped by precision shooting. They were turned away Sunday only because of a clutch Lakers basket, and they figure to be close again in Game 3.
The Lakers have a decision to make: Continue with the same game plan that brought them a 2-0 series lead, or adjust to counter a Nuggets’ defense that appears to have improved.
Lakers at Nuggets Best Bet: Nuggets (+6.5/-110)
–Field Level Media
