Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds & Predictions

by | Last updated Apr 3, 2022 | nba

Lebron James Lakers

Denver Nuggets (46-32 SU, 35-43-0 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (31-46 SU, 32-45-0 ATS)
When: Sunday April 03 2022, 03:30 PM (ET)
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: ABC

Point Spread: DEN -3.5/LAL +3.5 (Opened DEN -3.5 at Bovada)
Total: 230 (Opened at 231)
Money Line: Denver -157/LA Lakers 130
Power Rating: DEN -3

Probable Starting Lineups

Denver Nuggets PG Monte Morris, SG Will Barton, SF Aaron Gordon, PF Jeff Green Off Inj, C Nikola Jokic
Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook, SG Avery Bradley, SF LeBron James Q, PF Anthony Davis Q, C Dwight Howard

Key Injuries

Denver Nuggets Jeff Green: Personal (PROBABLE) Michael Porter Jr.: Back (OUT) Vlatko Cancar: Foot (OUT) Zeke Nnaji: Knee (OUT)

Los Angeles Lakers Carmelo Anthony: Illness (PROBABLE) LeBron James: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Anthony Davis: Foot (QUESTIONABLE) Kendrick Nunn: Ankle (OUT)

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 03:30 PM ET at the Staples Center.

Recent Form

The Denver Nuggets come into this game with an overall record of 46-32, placing them 5th in the Western Conference. So far, Denver is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 24-16. Over their last five games, the Nuggets have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Denver is averaging 122.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 112.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though Denver has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 122.0 points per game, up from the Nuggets’ usual rate of 109.8. In the Denver Nuggets’ most recent game, the team fell to Minnesota by a score of 136-130.

The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 31-46, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 20-19. Over the Lakers’ last five games, they have failed to pick up a win. In this stretch, Los Angeles’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 112.0 points per game. Combined, the Lakers’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Lakers’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 121.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.6. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent game, the team fell to New Orleans by a score of 114-111.

Individual Player Analysis

As Denver travels to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets’ leading scorer is Nikola Jokic. Through 72 games, Jokic is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 44.0% of his games. As Jokic gets set to take on the Lakers, he could be in line for a big game as Los Angeles is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.79% of their games. This figure places them 24th among NBA defenses. On the other side, LeBron James leads the Lakers in scoring, averaging 30 points across his 62 games. Throughout the season, James has outscored his season average in 45.0% of his outings. On the season, the Nuggets have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 46.67% of their games, giving them a rank of 13th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Denver Nuggets are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 16 of Denver’s 40 games, leading to a winning percentage of 69%. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers have played 62 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 62 times, by an average margin of -11.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers have met up for 1 game. Denver took game one by a score of 133-96.

How the Public is Betting the Nuggets vs Lakers

67% are betting the Nuggets against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 230.0

Get Joe’s ‘Dallas at Milwaukee Predictions 4/3/22 >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

  • Nuggets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
  • Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games.
  • Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
  • Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the outside looking in at a birth in the Western Conference play-in tournament. Despite Anthony Davis returning to the lineup vs New Orleans, the Lakers dropped the game, picking up their 5th straight loss. On the other side, Denver needs a win to keep pace with the Utah Jazz for the 5th seed in the West. With a spread sitting at 3.5 points in favor of the Nuggets, look for Denver to pick up the win and cover the spread on the road.

NBA Basketball Picks