Best NBA Player Prop Bets for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets - Game 1, May 16
What kind of performances can we expect on Tuesday from Jamal Murray, Michael Porter, and LeBron James? Follow along as our NBA betting expert, Nick Galaida, breaks down three of his favorite NBA prop bets for today — Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Get all of Nick’s picks, including more NBA player props, at ScoresandOdds.
On Tuesday night, the NBA postseason will resume with Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Jamal Murray is listed as questionable on the official injury report ahead of this matchup, but is widely expected to take the floor this evening. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are once again listed as probable, which is the same designation that they have carried for each of their first 12 postseason games this year.
Ahead of tip-off, the Nuggets are 6-point favorites on the spread, with the total being set at over/under 222 points.
We are 74-69-1 on player prop recommendations to begin these NBA Playoffs. For those who would prefer to attack the player prop market rather than a side or total, we have three leans below for tonight’s action!
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NBA Player Props – Lakers vs. Nuggets, May 16, 2023
- Jamal Murray o24.5 points
- Michael Porter Jr. o14.5 points
- LeBron James less than 21.5 field goal attempts
Jamal Murray o24.5 points (-115), BetMGM
According to props.cash, Jamal Murray has eclipsed this market number in 6-of-11 home games to begin these playoffs. Murray’s strong numbers at home are a continuation of his stats from the regular season, during which he averaged 1.6 points per game more in Denver than he did on the road. Murray also shot the ball better from the field and from beyond the arc at home compared to on the road during the regular season. Playing in front of his home fans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, expect a big day from Murray.
Michael Porter o14.5 points (-125), BetMGM
In 11 postseason games at home to begin these playoffs, Michael Porter Jr. has eclipsed this market number six times. Porter has seen his playing time fluctuate during the first two rounds, but his volume from the field has remained relatively strong regardless of his role. In the first round, Porter only had one game with less than 10 field goal attempts. In the second round, Porter had at least 10 field goal attempts in each of the final four games of the series against the Phoenix Suns. Assuming Porter sees double-digit shot attempts in Game 1, he will have an excellent opportunity to eclipse this market number – with efficiency being the main risk factor.
NBA DFS Pick’em
LeBron James less than 21.5 field goal attempts, PrizePicks
This look has become a postseason staple of our free articles at RotoGrinders. In the first round, we recommended this play six times against the Memphis Grizzlies – LeBron James attempted 20 field goals or less in five of those games. In the second round, we recommended this play six times – James attempted 18 field goals or less four times. Going back even further, James has attempted 21 field goals or less in 14 of his last 18 playoff contests since the 2020-2021 campaign. If you have been reading these pieces across the last month of action, you know the drill at this point.
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