Nuggets vs Lakers Game 3 Prediction & Best Bets: Is There a Way Back for Los Angeles?

For much of Monday night’s matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, it looked like their series would be moving to Crypto.com Arena with the things even at a game apiece.

But not for the first time in recent history between the two teams, the Lakers were left wondering what could have been. A 20-point third quarter lead evaporated, and Jamal Murray provided the buzzer-beating heroics to put the champs up 2-0 and give Denver a tenth straight win over Los Angeles.

Will the Lakers pick themselves up off of the mat tonight at home (10:00 pm ET, TNT)? Or did another demoralizing loss set them on a path to another sweep by Denver?

• Read on for the best spread and player prop bets for Nuggets vs Lakers Game 3.
• See which betting trends, stats, and other key information make the home team the pick tonight.
• Learn about the best places to make your Nuggets vs Lakers bets and where you can bet on tonight’s other NBA playoff matchups (Cavaliers-Magic and Knicks-76ers).

In each of the first two games of the series, the Lakers have held a double-digit lead at some point, only for the Nuggets to turn the game around and come away with the victory.

Will the same script play out tonight in a different venue? Or will the Lakers be able to close the deal at home when they couldn’t on the road?

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on today’s NBA playoff action.

Spread

• Denver Nuggets +1 (-115)
• Los Angeles Lakers -1 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 217 (-110)
• Under 217 (-110)

Moneyline

• Denver Nuggets -110
• Los Angeles Lakers -110

Get free and reliable moneyline, spread, and over/under consensus picks for every NBA matchup, including this one, from our NBA picks page.

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction and Best Bets

So, what can the Lakers do to avert a similar result to last year’s Western Conference finals?

Well, it would help significantly if the offense didn’t dry up in the second half for a third straight game.

In Game 1, the Lakers shot 55.8% (24 of 43) from the field in a 60-point first half and 41.7% (15 of 36) in a 43-point second half. In Game 2, they shot 56.1% (23 of 41) in a 59-point first half and 40.5% (15 of 37) in a 40-point second half.

Both LeBron and Anthony Davis put up solid numbers in Games 1 and 2, but the likes of Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Taurean Prince will need to deliver as well.

Entering Game 2, the Lakers were 22-8 this season when Russell scored 20+ points. However, his 23-point performance proved to be for naught on Monday. But if he hits that mark again tonight, it will likely be in a victory. To date, the Lakers have yet to lose consecutive games in which Russell hit the 20-point mark this season.

Will being at home be a boost? Their home numbers aren’t spectacular, but they are 23-13 SU (63.9%) and 21-15 ATS (58.3%) after a loss. Both of those records rank eighth in the NBA.

Also, while the Nuggets have not been a road underdog very often, it is not a position in which they have thrived. In nine games as a road underdog this season, Denver is just 3-6 SU and 4-5 ATS.

There’s a good chance that, come Saturday night, the Nuggets are celebrating another sweep of the Lakers. But based on L.A.’s efforts thus far, even in defeat, there’s reason to feel positive that they will at least send the series back to Denver for a Game 5, if nothing else.

Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction: Lakers to win

Nuggets vs Lakers Best Bets: Lakers -1 & Anthony Davis over 42.5 points + rebounds + assists (-107 at BetOnline)

Other NBA Playoffs Betting Information

Where to Bet on Heat vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs

Many of the top online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of NBA betting odds throughout the season.

In addition to being able to bet on 2024 NBA championship odds, you can make daily NBA picks on odds for every game all season long, including NBA playoffs odds.

Also, you can bet on the All-Star Game, NBA Draft odds, and the major awards like NBA MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year, and more at most reputable sports betting sites.

There are plenty of sports betting sites you can choose from that are good for NBA betting. In addition to BetOnline, here are several books that we have reviewed and highly recommend:

• BetDSI (review)
• BetUS (review)
• Bookmaker (review)
• Bovada (review)
• MyBookie (review)
• Sportsbetting.ag (review)

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

Looking to make some player prop picks for tonight’s matchup in Los Angeles? Bovada is one of the best sports betting sites for NBA player props, as they offer a plethora of prop markets for every game on the schedule. They also have a hefty welcome bonus for cryptocurrency users (75% up to $750).

Interested in Learning More About NBA Betting?

Looking to learn more about the ins and outs of betting on the NBA? Check out our NBA betting guide. Also, if you’d like to learn more about NBA player prop bets, check out our NBA player props guide.

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