Best Nuggets vs Lakers NBA first basket scorer prop bets for today 5/22: Jamal Murray is relentless

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray
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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of elimination. While it was always going to be a possibility considering how well the Nuggets have played this season, it is surprising to see it happen by Game 4. The Lakers will be looking to become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs. While there is a long way to go for that to happen, it is hard to completely write off LeBron James.

Check out my first-basket scorer pick for Nuggets vs Lakers below and you can also read our NBA predictions on the sides and total for each game.

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Nuggets vs Lakers first basket best bet: Jamal Murray (+650)

Nikola Jokic has had success at giving the Denver Nuggets the opening possession in the last 2 games as he was able to overcome Anthony Davis on both occasions. It has now tied the season series between the pair at 3 each. With the pair being evenly matched, it could come down to which team is more efficient offensively to decide who opens the scoring. Considering that the Nuggets are leading the NBA in offensive rating during the playoffs, they should be well positioned to do that.

Jamal Murray should have a great chance to score the first points. He has been on fire, knocking down 30 or more points in each game of this series. He has also upped his field-goal attempts in each game, resulting in 29 shots in Game 3. Over the last 10 games for the Nuggets, Murray has scored the first points on 3 occasions. If he stays aggressive, he will have a great chance of doing so once more. The Nuggets have singled out D’Angelo Russell as a target and Murray has the skillset to go at him from the opening seconds. He looks a good value selection tonight.

Read today Nuggets vs Lakers Same Game Parlay and our NBA player props

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