These games head to head have been decided by 10+ points to whoever wins the game, so it's hard for me to stake a side in game 1 which could go either way, and I don't yet know what the gameplan will be for either team in terms of containing the others key players.

What I do know is that this matchup has gone over this total 3 of the 4 meetings this season, and without a doubt I know for sure that Jokic will not be contained in this series, as his skill-set exceeds that of AD, who will be the best matchup for Jokic this entire playoffs. Jokic is going to get his team involved heavily in this series, so I love his assists prop bet, but this also means his team is going to shoot more from long range, which bodes well to my official Play of the OVER of 222. Both teams will score well into the 100's tonight, and it would be to the benefit of the Lakers to avoid a slow paced game vs Jokic who in reality plays like LeBron in terms of a playmaker when the game is slowed down. Also, I love the over because the Lakers play worse defense on the road and though the Nuggets play their best defense at home, it will be pivotal to LeBron and company to steal the opening game of this series that they could very well lose. Toss the defense out the window for game 1.

Official Play: Over 222

Side Bet: Jokic Over 9.5 assists

Side Bet: LeBron James over 39.5 Points-Rebounds-Assists

Side Bet: Caldwell-Pope over 1.5 three pointers made