Game 2 is here, folks. In the first game of the series, we saw Nikola Jokic taking Anthony Davis to school, and then dropping him off as well. He could not be stopped over the first three quarters of the game, already putting up a 31-point triple-double to that point in the contest. Looking at how effective Davis has been guarding inside, it was truly a spectacle to behold as a fan.
On the other side of things, Davis was a scoring machine, nearly going for 40. When they moved Rui Hachimura onto Jokic and let AD roam the paint, it worked a lot better. Jokic did not score in the fourth quarter until the very late moments, while the Lakers very nearly came all the way back from a 20+ point deficit. They did wind up losing the game, but not for a lack of trying on anybody’s part.
The second installment is set to be played tonight, as the teams jockey for position in coming out of the West.
ODDS:
SPREAD: DEN -5.5
O/U: 227
MONEYLINE: DEN -210, LAL +175
Lakers Aim to Avoid 0-2 Hole
Falling behind two games to zero in any playoff series makes it very hard to win. Of course the 3-1 Warriors comeback in 2016 would help to change the game as we knew it over the next several years that followed. This time around, a win is imperative. This does not feel like a series where a major deficit is going to be overcome. Not when they are dealing with the current, insane version of Nikola Jokic.
LeBron James and AD both played well in game 1. They got an incredible performance from Austin Reaves. And as he did all first-round long, Rui Hachimura proved to be the secret X-factor. He was able to give them buckets, while being able to do enough to defend Jokic from the top of the key, all the way inwards. If they want a win though, they will need some production from the point guard spot.
Nuggets Seek to Stay Perfect at Home
It should come as zero surprise that the Nuggets have not lost a home game this postseason. Jokic and company always take care of business in front of the Denver faithful. Jamal Murray has been the perfect sidekick to get them over the hump whenever they have needed it. It has become abundantly clear why they missed the prior two conference finals, watching the production he is able to offer them.
Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could not miss from the outside, while Bruce Brown was slashing them like it was a video game. Jeff Green provided quality minutes, too. All they were missing was an efficient Aaron Gordon. If they can build another lead up in the first three quarters, it should be 2-0.
Nuggets Push Lead to 2-0
Denver is going to claim victory again as they go up 2-0. Still perfect at home in the playoffs.
FREE PICK: DEN -210
