Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets picks, predictions: Who wins Game 1 of NBA Playoffs?
The No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers and No. 2 seed Denver Nuggets play Saturday, April 20 in Game 1 of their first-round 2024 NBA Playoffs series for the Western Conference.
The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Pacific time (8:30 p.m. Eastern time) and can be seen on ABC (stream with Sling TV).
Who will win the game and take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Playoffs series?
Check out these NBA Playoffs picks and predictions for the Western Conference matchup.
The Nuggets are a 6.5-point favorite over the Lakers in NBA Playoffs odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook.
Denver is -300 on the moneyline. Los Angeles is +230.
The over/under for the game is set at 223.5 points.
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ESPN: Nuggets have a 68.6% chance to beat Lakers in Game 1
The site gives Los Angeles a 31.4% shot at defeating Denver in the first game of the NBA Playoffs series.
NBA Playoffs Game 1 picks: Suns vs Timberwolves | Mavericks vs Clippers | Lakers vs Nuggets | Magic vs Cavaliers | Pacers vs Bucks | 76ers vs Knicks
Sports Betting Dime: Nuggets 117.9, Lakers 114.4
The site's formula predicts that Denver will defeat Los Angeles in Game 1 of NBA postseason series on Saturday.
NBA Playoffs schedule: Suns vs Timberwolves | Mavericks vs Clippers | Lakers vs Nuggets | Magic vs Cavaliers | Pacers vs Bucks | 76ers vs Knicks | Daily NBA game schedule
Vegas Insider: Bet the Nuggets to cover vs. Lakers in Game 1
Michael Crosson writes: "The Nuggets are the best team in the West, and they dominate their home floor. The number on the spread is big – maybe a little bit too big – but the Lakers need to prove they know how to beat Denver (when healthy) before I consider picking them in any of these matchups. The Lakers have lost seven straight matchups against Denver, and four of those losses have been pretty ugly. I’m going to lay the steep number with Denver in Game 1."
BetMGM: Take the Lakers with the points in Game 1 vs. Nuggets
Shane Jackson writes: "Los Angeles had a real chance to steal one of the two early games in Denver during last year’s Western Conference finals, losing by six in Game 1 and five in Game 2. After some extended rest, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lakers’ best effort in Saturday’s opener. The Lakers, coming off back-to-back wins over the Pelicans on the road, are playing some of their best basketball of the season. I’m betting they will stay within striking distance, and the +225 moneyline price tag might even be worth a sprinkle."
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Odds Trader: Nuggets 116, Lakers 109
The site predicts that Denver will edge Los Angeles in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs series, with a final score of 116-109.
STREAM THE GAME: Watch Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Playoffs game with Sling TV
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WANNA BET? Here are the latest NBA odds and betting lines
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game 1 picks, predictions, odds
