The Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference series are something like Rafael Nadal’s French Open odds….it’s pretty much a lock. And while Roger Federer beat Nadal to end his win streak on clay, let’s be frank: the Nuggets are no Roger Federer.

Nuggets vs Lakers odds – Tuesday, May 19, 9:00 PM ET

The Nuggets steamrolled Dallas in five games, but their defense still leaves a lot to be desired. Before Chauncey Billups, they were terrible, now, they at least show a fleeting interest. They still won’t be mistaken for the Celtics or Spurs. 

The Lakers somehow were taken to seven games by Houston, which is a bit worrying because when the Lakers won, it was like they were toying with the Rockets. Must be nice to conserve energy throughout the playoffs. The Lakers need more from their bench to put this series away early.

Nuggets vs Lakers odds are favoring Los Angeles at -265 for the series, and they have a 6.5-point spread in Game 1 at the Staples Center, where they have beaten the Nuggets in nine of their last 10 meetings. The Nuggets’ defense is awful on the road, not something their fans want to hear heading into arguably the second-toughest arena in the league to play in. The Lakers will win the series, and kick off the matchup with a decisive basketball betting victory.