Denver and the Joker are in a new territory. The Lakers and LeBron have been here before. This just seems like a ton of points, especially with the Lakers winning Game 1 in Memphis AND Game 1 in San Fran vs the Warriors. I’ll take the dog.

The most fun bet throughout the NBA Playoffs is back tonight for Game 1! Going in understand the mindset here, this isn't a wager for everyone, however if you're looking for risk/reward this is the one for you throughout the playoffs. The number is always set at 1.5 and always set at plus money. Jokic has hit this prop in 54.5% of all games this postseason including in three of his last five. Nikola has hit at least one three-pointer in nine of his last 10 games (and the one here is the last game vs. Phoenix where it was over at halftime), so the sweat usually arrives for the second. Keep an eye on this prop for each remaining Nuggets game as we go. Best of luck to those who ride it!

We know LeBron will complete one leg in points but the amount of double-doubles by a 38-year-old player in a conference final game has to be pretty low. LeBron, who granted isn't a normal 38-year-old, hasn't had double-digit rebounds or assists since Game 1 vs. Golden State. There's always the blowout factor tonight as well where LeBron doesn't play heavy minutes. With a potentially long series ahead, I doubt he does hit the 40-minute mark unless it goes down to the wire. The SL Model has James with 8.1 boards and 6.4 assists. We'd obviously win with that.

Joker has hit this number in 4 of his last 5 playoff games, I expect him to make it 5 of 6 tonight against the Lakers. He hasn't played great statistically against LA in the regular season, but folk we are talking playoffs and I expect him to show up in a big way tonight for Game 1.

Micheael Porter Jr. has been a bit of a mixed bag so far this postseason. After scoring 17.4 PPG in the regular season, Porter's scoring average has decreased to 14.5 PPG through 11 playoff games. I like his chances to make a big impact in this series against the Lakers. He has the most advantageous individual defensive matchup as he is likely to be guarded by D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers ran the second most drop coverage in the NBA during the regular season and as a result gave up nearly 13 three pointers per game. With over half of Porter's field goal attempts coming from behind the arc, I believe he's likely to see an uptick in field goal attempts.

SportslineAI is predicting 26.8 Points for Anthony Davis tonight. Join Early Edge in 5 for the full breakdown at 4pm ET.

The Lakers function better with extended rest, and this team has the best record since the trade deadline. The Nuggets did not play this new version of the Lakers. All four meetings came before the trade deadline. Between the All-Star Game and the end of the regular season, L.A. was No. 4 in defensive efficiency, while Denver was No. 15. I like the Lakers.

The Nuggets do a good job of controlling the glass. During the regular season, they allowed the fewest rebounds per in the league. LeBron James faced them three times and he didn’t have a double-double in any of those games. Heading into this matchup, James has just one double-double over his last seven games. In terms of assists, he hasn’t dished at least 10 assists in any of the Lakers’ playoff games. I don’t see him getting double-digit rebounds in this difficult matchup.

The Nuggets have dominated at home. They went 34-7 there during the regular season and have not lost at home in six playoff games. Five of their playoff wins came by at least nine points, moving them to a total of 30-16-1 ATS at home. Meanwhile, the Lakers are just 16-20-1 ATS as a road underdog. Look for Jokic and company to start things off with a decisive victory.

The Laker's success this post-season has been their ability to knock off teams in game one. They did so against Memphis and Golden State to set the tone. Yet, Denver is the first team this postseason that has the interior and perimeter balance to negate the Lakers defensively. Lay it as Denver covers and boosts their regular season and postseason home record to 41-7.

Lebron is collecting 10.0 rebounds per game during the playoffs and has eclipsed this line in eight of 12 games. There is a lot to like about this prop, particularly if the Lakers continue to deploy a lineup consisting of Lebron and AD, in addition to three guards (D-Lo, Schroder, Reaves). Lebron has also grabbed at least nine boards in every non blow out game so far in these playoffs. An additional component that I like is AD will be occupied with slowing down Nikola Jokic. Denver has been stingy surrendering rebounds to opposing Centers this season as a result, giving up the third fewest rebounds to the position. Shop around on this prop as you may be able to find a friendlier price elsewhere.

Denver is unbeaten at home in the playoffs (5-1 ATS), continuing its homecourt dominance from the regular season. The Nuggets own the best offense this postseason. But in Anthony Davis, the Lakers have a defender capable of bothering Nikola Jokic. And as a team, they're playing the best postseason defense. This healthy, revamped LA roster enters on a 26-11 SU roll, having taken out the defending champion-Warriors and No. 2 seeded Memphis. In each series, the Lakers won Game 1 on the road. An outright upset Tuesday would be surprising, but the Lakers should be extremely competitive thanks to their size, defense and superstar duo.