Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction, Odds, Pick: NBA Playoffs, Game 5

The 12th time was the charm.

The Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped an 11-game losing skid to the Denver Nuggets with Saturday’s 119-108 victory, avoiding a sweep for the second consecutive postseason.

But with the series headed back to Denver for Game 5, the Nuggets are in an excellent position to finish off a series victory. They are 7.5-point favorites on Monday.

Here’s a look at the NBA playoff odds and my Game 5 prediction:

NBA Playoff Odds – Nuggets vs. Lakers

• Nuggets moneyline: -275
• Lakers moneyline: +230
• Spread: Nuggets -7.5
• Over/Under: 216.5
• Series price: Nuggets (-1000), Lakers (+1800)

Nuggets vs. Lakers – NBA Playoffs, Game 5

Prediction: D’Angelo Russell over 15.5 points (-105)

Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell bounced back from a scoreless effort in Game 3 to record 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting in Saturday’s win. He went 4-for-8 from long range in Game 4.

That’s why over 2.5 3-pointers for Russell is the second-most bet prop on Monday, trailing only LeBron James to score more than 26.5 points. I can see the logic of needing three triples from Russell, but I’d rather take his discounted points prop.

Russell averages 14.3 points per game this series, clearing this mark in two of four outings. But the shot volume has been there for a player who averaged 18 points per contest in the regular season.

The only chance Los Angeles has at an upset win is Russell getting hot like he did in Game 2. With Jamal Murray dealing with a calf injury, the Lakers’ coaching staff might even encourage Russell to attack him more off the bounce.

With a projection of 17.3 points, there is a 13% edge on this current over. It’s worth playing at -120 or better.

NBA ATS Records 2023-24

NBA Over/Under Records 2023-24