Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction & Same Game Parlay picks: Russell seeks redemption at +1005 odds

LeBron James to score 30+ points (+210)

LeBron James finished with 27 points in Game 1 on an efficient 62.5% from the field. He did however attempt only 16 shots. With the Lakers down a game and the success that he had, look for the leading scorer in NBA history to be much more aggressive tonight. The Lakers star was able to carry over his hot shooting hand from the end of the regular season, making 3 of 5 3-pointers and 80% of his free throws. The Lakers will be hoping they can get him to the line more, and put more pressure on Nikola Jokic and the rim. He missed just 1 of 8 shots in the paint in the previous game so the Lakers gameplan should be to get him going on the inside. With Nikola Jokic matched up against the Lakers other major scoring threat in Anthony Davis, there shouldn’t be much help coming his way. It should all help lead to a big scoring performance for James.

Anthony Davis to record 3+ blocks (+120)

As predicted, the Lakers deployed Rui Hachimura for the majority of the game against Nikola Jokic. They did switch it up in the 4th quarter, putting Davis on him, but that did not make a major difference. Look for the Lakers to return to having Davis play in an off the ball role once more, guarding the corner shooter and coming over as the help defender. He averaged 3 blocks per against the Nuggets in the regular season and followed it up with a 4 block performance in Game 1. There is no reason to suggest a drop off tonight. As mentioned in my same game parlay for Game 1, the Nuggets are not a high volume 3-point shooting team. There insistence to work the ball inside and get looks at the rim inevitably puts players in range of Davis, who has all the tools to impact and reject their attempts. I’m backing him to do that once more tonight.

D’Angelo Russell over 2.5 made threes (-128)

D’Angelo Russell has had his struggles against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. And while Game 1 was no exception, there were positive signs. His 20 field goal attempts marked his highest total since the middle of March, 9 of which came from beyond the arc. While he only made one of those, he is a 41.5% shooter from beyond the arc this season. Considering the odds given, I think it is a great look to back him to make at least 3 tonight. He had a hot shooting hand going into the series and I do not think the Lakers will lose faith in him just yet, so he should continue to get opportunities to shoot here. Davis and James are also players who can apply a lot of pressure on the paint, leading to kick out opportunities. Russell is a good enough shooter to convert.