This is a 10* A$$A$$IN on the LA Lakers.

Denver has looked terrible in its Game 1 matchups so far in the playoffs and after an emotional seven game win over the Jazz and an emotional seven game series win over the Clippers, I think Denver will come out flat here in Game 1.

Yes, Nikola Jokic has sure been good so far in the playoffs, but now he faces a trio of giants from the Lakers, including AD, who made the first all star team.

LA won three of four games in the regular season and I think the extra time off its had between series won't hurt its chemistry, but instead help out King James and company in a BIG way.

The Lakers lost both their opening round games as well in each playoff series, so LA will be extra cautious here to try and break that trend.

Finally note that the Lakers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine when playing with three or more days of rest.

I'm laying the points and expecting a complete blowout!

Good luck, NP