The Nuggets have proved to be everything a #1 seed is suppose to be. Resilient, consistent, and a team with more than one star. However, a #1 seed is suppose to win at home. The Lakers looked fatigued, and disoriented in the fourth quarter of game two, and their shot and shot election reflected it. Ball Arena can do that to visiting teams.

Back in LA the Lakers are yet to lose a home playoff game. They have an incredible fan base, and the stats indicate the Lakers go to the line more than their opponents at crypto.com arena. The Lakers should come out aggressive, driving into the paint and seeking fouls. The Nuggets typically start off slow, so this could be a brutal first quarter for the Nuggets.

The Lakers are currently 5.5 point favorites, and have a (-230) on the moneyline. The Nuggets sit at (+190) and neither are at convincing odds. It is advised to stay away from the spread and the moneyline.

BETS OF THE DAY:
OVER 222.5 Points (-110). This appears to be the best straight bet. If the Lakers come out with momentum the line will move up. If Denver is to win this game, they will so with an up tempo pace. This in turn will lead to more scoring opportunities.
Anthony Davis OVER 24.5 Points (-120). AD must have 30+ Points for the Lakers to control this game. In Article III of this column, it mentioned that AD typically has an off game after 35+ minute game played before. He usually returns to an elite form after the bad performance. Trust AD to cover this line at home.
Michael Porter Jr OVER 2.5 3s made (-120). The bookies must like the abuse, because they are giving us the same line. He’s clearly back in a rhythm, and Jokic can pass over almost every Lakers defender to get him the ball. Trust ‘the well’ to keep giving as this bet has cashed over two dozen times.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE:
Center – Anthony Davis. No matter what the price, he must dominate for the Lakers to have a chance to win. Therefore his fantasy score will reflect it. He is a great captain option as well.
Forward – Michael Porter Jr. Has been excellent amassing a double-double in game one and four made 3s in game two. He has recorded 29.8+ fantasy points in both games, get him in the line up.
Guard – Bruce Brown is playing like the playoff sixth man of the year. He’s on a tear similar to Jason Terry (JET) of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks Championship run. Those players are needed to win a championship, and Brown has been the emotional leader on the court. He’s averaging 26+ Fantasy points and 30+ mins in this series. Play him and win!

The better teams have won both games in their respective conference finals thus far. Will LA be able to land a counter punch? Or will the #1 seeded team continue to dominate on their quest for their franchises first trip to the Finals? Game 3 has the answers.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy