Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard
Sports Betting Commercial Content. 21+. Provided by Action Network, official betting partner of The Inquirer.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 4 picks: Bet on a big game from Austin Reaves

Our top player prop for Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 4.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game three of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game three of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Read moreHarry How / Getty Images
    by Tanner McGrath, Action Network
    Published 

The Lakers have their backs to the wall and need someone to step up -- at least that’s the thought in my mind as I dive into my favorite Nuggets vs. Lakers Game 4 prediction.

The Lakers wouldn’t be in the Western Conference Finals if it weren’t for big performances from role players.

No Laker embodies that statement more than Austin Reaves.

Odds courtesy of BetMGM, current at time of writing and subject to change.

  1. Read our expert rankings of the best sports betting sites here.

  2. Read our expert rankings of the best sports betting mobile apps here.

  3. Check out this BetMGM Bonus Code for May 2023 here.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Best Prop Bet No. 1

Austin Reaves over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110)

If you’re a diehard college hoops fan, you know who Austin Reaves is. He was an All-Big 12 guard at Oklahoma in 2021, averaging over 18 points per game and leading the Sooners to a first-round NCAA Tournament victory.

If you’re not a diehard college hoops fan (or big-time Lakers fan), you’ve probably only become aware of Reaves’ existence in recent months.

Reaves is legit good. He’s broken out as a big-time role player with his spot-up shooting, crafty ball-handling and high-level decision-making – three traits he showed in spades at Oklahoma.

The former two-way player is now the starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. He’s earned this position and has brought much-needed production in his elevated role.

Reaves averaged 18/6/3 over his final 20 regular-season games. Those numbers have jumped to 17/5/5 during the playoffs, and he’s recorded 20+ points in seven of his 15 playoff games (all starts).

Reaves is also a reliable defender with a high motor.

Overall, Reaves has the highest net rating of any Laker during this playoff run (+6.7).

» READ MORE: Nick Nurse favored to become next Sixers coach at one sportsbook; Sam Cassell second choice

As a result, Reaves has crushed every prop available. He’s cashed over 26.5 PRA in six straight games and nine of 15 during the playoffs, averaging over 30 PRA since Game 5 of the second round.

Reaves uses his large frame to out-rebound guards and smaller wings, plays solid on-ball and off-ball defense, can handle the rock and has shot 42% from 3 during this playoff run. He’s been valuable in every area of the game, and the Lakers need every last ounce of Reaves to stay alive in this series.

Our Action Labs Player Props Tool projects Reaves for 27.4 PRA on Monday night, providing us with value over the line currently posted at BetMGM.

That said, I expect an even-larger performance from the young breakout star. He should easily cruise over this PRA line, again showing up as the Lakers’ most important role player during their most important game.

» READ MORE: Hurricanes vs. Panthers prediction: How to bet a Carolina comeback

The Inquirer is not an online gambling operator, or a gambling site. We provide this information about sports betting for entertainment purposes only.