APRIL 20, 2024 — Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA coverage here at Total Apex Sports. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Los Angeles Lakers squaring off against the Denver Nuggets
The Purple and Gold come into this matchup courtesy of a 110-106 win against the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in round. Meanwhile, the Nuggets nabbed the No. 2 seed in the conference and have won six of their last 10 contests, including a 126-111 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in the season finale.
In another playoff battle between these two squads, which player props should you watch in this crucial matchup?
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview
Despite playing in his 21st NBA season, LeBron James continues to be one of the focal points for the Los Angeles Lakers. He currently has -122 odds of scoring more than 24.5 points and +102 odds of finishing with less than 24.5 points.
Let’s look at how his numbers compare to the points total for this matchup.
- In 43 career games against the Nuggets, he is averaging 26.2 points per contest.
- During the season, James averaged 25.7 PPG across 71 outings.
- In 32 road contests, the Lakers’ forward is averaging 26.7 PPG.
- James has played against Western Conference teams 44 times this season. In those contests, he is averaging 27.1 points per outing.
- In 12 matchups against Northwest Division opponents, LeBron is averaging 26.0 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, James has averaged 27.2 points per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup five times during that stretch.
Prediction: LeBron James OVER 24.5 points
On the other side of this matchup, Nuggets’ big man Nikola Jokic is the key player to watch in this matchup. He currently has -105 odds of scoring more than 27.5 points and -115 odds of finishing with less than 27.5 points.
Do the two-time MVP’s numbers favorably compare to the projected points total. Let’s look at the tale of the tape and find out.
- In 27 career games against the Lakers, he is averaging 20.2 points per contest.
- During the season, Jokic averaged 26.4 PPG across 79 outings.
- In 41 home contests, the two-time MVP averages 26.2 points per game.
- Jokic has played against Western Conference teams 49 times this season. In those contests, he is averaging 27.7 points per outing.
- In 17 matchups against Pacific Division opponents, the Nuggets’ big man is averaging 27.1 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, Jokic has averaged 28.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup five times during that stretch.
Prediction: Nikola Jokic OVER 27.5 points
James Tillman’s Player Nuggets vs. Lakers Prop Picks
- Player Prop Bet #1: LeBron James OVER 24.5 points
- Player Prop Bet #2: Nikola Jokic OVER 27.5
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