Davis Cashing for Bettors
NBA betting markets have excellent value with Game 2 prop bets on Thursday between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets took a 1-0 lead on the back of a huge performance from Nikola Jokic, but it was Anthony Davis where bettors found the best value.
The Laker looks to back it up in Game 2, and the sportsbook has generous lines available.
Davis Doubles Down
NBA lines haven’t learned their lesson when it comes to Davis, who torched the line in Game 1.
Sport betting lines had Davis at 22½ points, and the over was never in doubt. The line for Game 2 is 24½, which we still don’t think is enough.
He scored 40 points in the opener, and with LeBron James not playing at his best, he’s the main man for the Lakers.
Even Jokic called him “one of the most talented players in the league.” Therefore, we’re happy to back him to go over the total again. He should have his way in the paint, in what should be another high-scoring contest.
Over has been well-backed into -125, so the line could move.
Lakers First to 20
There is always good value with NBA odds, and we think the Lakers start Game 2 much better than they did on Tuesday.
James noted that they need to get off to a faster start, so we think they will come out strongly and beat the Nuggets to 20 points.
“Yeah, it took us a half to get into the game,” James said, “and that was pretty much the ballgame right there. They punched us in the mouth to start. … I know the game is won in 48 minutes, but they set the tone in 24 minutes and we were playing catch-up for the next 24.”
If they are first to reach 20 points, expect live betting markets to trim their moneyline odds. Starting well is crucial to the Lakers’ chances of winning.
The Lakers hitting 20 points first pays +120 with online gambling markets, so it’s worth adding to your NBA picks.
Nuggets to Finish Best
Taking double result wagers can be tricky, but we are locking in the Lakers/Nuggets line, which pays +500.
There is every chance of the Lakers holding a halftime lead, but they could get tired late, and the weight of the pressure could be too much.
The Nuggets boast such a deep team, they never need to panic. Therefore, we’re predicting the Lakers to be up by around five points at halftime before the Nuggets clear them out in the second half to win comfortably.
