The Western Conference Finals get underway on Friday night when the Denver Nuggets meet the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets may be a surprise opponent for L.A., but MVP caliber play from Jamal Murray is one reason Denver shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Lakers have made relatively quick work of their opponents leading into the Conference Finals. The Lakers won previous series’ against Portland and Houston four games to one. Los Angeles is another huge favorite to advance past Denver, but the Nuggets aren’t going to be as easy to put away. Mike Malone’s team has fought back from 3-1 series deficits in each of the last two rounds.
Sportsbooks favor the Lakers by seven points in game one. Should you take the Nuggets in a shocking upset or ride with the favorite in a blowout win?
Murray & Co. Faced With Another Obstacle
The Denver Nuggets are familiar with tough challenges but the Finals against Los Angeles is their biggest hurdle thus far. Los Angeles has the best 1-2 punch in the league with Lebron James and Anthony Davis. The Nuggets will have to find a way to deal with arguably the best overall player and the most dominant big-man in the NBA.
Denver did well in their last series, rallying back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Clippers. One could argue though that the Nuggets advancing had more to do with the Clippers inefficiency on both ends of the court more than Denver dominance. Denver plays great team basketball, but will their defense be able to hold up against the most prolific offense in the NBA?
Lakers Electric Lineup Is Laser Focused
James has his eye on another NBA Finals appearance after missing the playoffs entirely a year ago. Advancing past Denver won’t be a walk in the park but the Lakers have looked dominant in series wins over Portland and Houston.
The strength of the Lakers is how their surrounding core of players complement Davis and James. Alex Caruso and Danny Green have become more than just role players and are actively giving opposing teams trouble. The Lakers defense has been impeccable and was able corral James Harden for the most part in the conference semifinals.
Who To Take In Game 1: Denver Nuggets +7
James likes to give opposing teams Game 1 to “feel them out” and although this is the Western Conference Finals, I believe the Lakers will take the same approach. Using Game 1 as a litmus test for an opposing team has worked for the Lakers in the last two series’ so look for them to employ the same strategy here. The games between these two squads are usually very close so take the Denver Nuggets +7 in this one.
