The Denver Nuggets got out to a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers, and they’ll look to expand their advantage in Game 2. Bettors seeking a viable NBA same-game parlay (SGP) for Thursday’s Lakers-Nuggets Western Conference Finals Game 2 should target these lines at DraftKings — we’re riding with Aaron Gordon as a defender. Make sure to check out OddsShopper’s tools and player prop articles for other sharp plays, including our Parlay Builder!
Best Lakers-Nuggets NBA Same-Game Parlay for Game 2 | WCF
The Denver Nuggets narrowly won Game 1 after getting out to a massive lead in the first half. The Lakers took advantage of Jamal Murray in the LeBron James–Austin Reaves pick-and-roll game to launch their late-game resurgence. Aaron Gordon rarely fought through screens when covering James, allowing him to exploit Murray in the paint. Don’t expect them to make that mistake in Game 2.
LeBron James Under 26.5 Points
Game 1 saw LeBron James score 26 points, cashing his standard over by a single point. James is now averaging only 23.6 points per game in the playoffs and has gone over this number in just three of his playoff appearances, only one of which came on the road. A whopping 46.2% of James’ points came with Murray covering him. If Denver’s head coach makes the right call and adjusts, he won’t have that same advantage in Game 2.
D’Angelo Russell Over 10.5 Points
One possible move head coach Michael Malone could make is to switch Kentavious Caldwell-Pope off D’Angelo Russell and onto Austin Reaves. Reaves scored a whopping 23 points in Game 1 while Russell scored only eight. Even if Malone doesn’t make this adjustment, Russell should shoot better than the atrocious 4-for-11 (36.3%) he shot in Game 1. Russell is shooting 44% in the playoffs and averaging 15.1 points per game.
D’Angelo Russell 2+ 3-Pointers
Russell should step up from beyond the arc in Game 2. He is averaging 1.9 3-pointers per game in the playoffs and averaged 2.7 per game with the Lakers in the regular season. Although Caldwell-Pope plays tough defense, Malone likely can’t afford to let the excellent wing defender spend as much time lined up against Russell. Even if Malone doesn’t pivot, Russell made at least 2 3-pointers in each of his regular-season starts against the Nuggets.
Aaron Gordon 1+ Blocks
Let’s circle back to my suspicion that Malone won’t want to let Murray cover James as much. This means he’ll either have Gordon fight through more screens or stay in a position where he can bail out Murray in the paint. Either of those scenarios would help Gordon record at least one block. He racked up nine blocks against the Lakers in the regular season and had at least one in every game.
Best Lakers-Nuggets NBA Same-Game Parlay
LeBron James Under 26.5 Points
D’Angelo Russell Over 10.5 Points
D’Angelo Russell 2+ Made 3’s
Aaron Gordon 1+ Blocks
= +500 for 0.25 Units at DraftKings Sportsbook
Bettors eager to take advantage of this same-game parlay deal can head to DraftKings Sportsbook to get the best deal. Readers yet to register at DraftKings can score $150 in bonus bets after winning a $5 moneyline wager!
