Denver vs. Los Angeles

Denver hasn't been a strong team away from home this season (24-21) and now they have to avoid elimination in Florida against a star-studded Lakers' squad. They just don't match up well defensively in this series, allowing 126, 105, 106, and 114 points. Los Angeles shot 47.5% from the field the last game with a +8 rebounding edge winning 114-108 to lead the series 3-1. During the regular season, Denver allowed 46.3% shooting (#15) and was #17 at defending the three-pointer. Under Mike Malone, the Nuggets are just 39-76 straight-up on the road after a game in which they covered the spread. Also, under Mike Vogel, the Lakers are 23-3 straight-up vs. poor defensive teams like Denver (those allowing 46%+ shooting). Meanwhile, the Lakers ranked eighth in field goal shooting defense during the regular season, seventh at defending beyond the arc, while the offense was #11 in points scored, No. 1 in shooting (48%). Los Angeles has won nine of the last 15 meetings and moves on to the Finals. Play Los Angeles on the moneyline.