Lakers vs Nuggets odds and predictions: Who is the favorite to make it to the 2023 NBA Finals?

The NBA is entering its final stage, as only four teams are remaining in the competition that will be looking to advance to the very last round and win the Championship.

Two squads are the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Michael Malone’s men were the best team in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season with 53 wins and 29 defeats and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns to get to the Conference semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Lakers, who took their tickets to the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament, managed to come out on top against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, winning both series in six.

Lakers vs Nuggets: odds

A real battle is expected between two times who base their strength on defense but that have the weaponry in offense to cause much damage to their opponents.

Lebron James and Anthony Davis have played well this postseason, leading the Lakers to the Conference Finals against top rivals.

However, the 17-time NBA champions go into this series as underdogs. A victory for Darvin Ham’s men against the Nuggets is priced at 5/4 (2.25), while the odds for winning Game 1 are at 19/10 (2.9).

Nikola Jokic and co. have done a great job too. They were very solid during the regular season and they haven’t let their fans down after that.

With a record of 8-3 in the postseason, the Nuggets have only given up 110.1 points per 100 possessions and ranked in the top five of the NBA in offensive efficiency.

The Nuggets, who are looking to lift their first NBA Championship, are expected to advance to the Finals by the bookmakers, at odds 8/15 (1.53). A win for the hosts in tonight’s game is priced at 21/50 (1.42).

Lakers vs Nuggets: prediction

The Lakers have proved this season they can beat anyone. James averaged 28.9 points per game in the regular season, and Davis has recorded 14.1 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game in the playoffs.

However, Denver will have the motivation not only to get to the last round but also to avenge their Conference Finals elimination against the Lakers, who three years ago defeated them in five games.

The Nuggets have been the best team during the playoffs, winning 8 of 11 postseason matches and Jokic is averaging 30.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game.

Moreover, the two-time NBA MVP is surrounded by a solid team, and players like Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Gordon seem to be in red-hot form too.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets to win in seven games.