The Los Angeles Lakers (33-28) host the Denver Nuggets (41-19) for a Saturday night game. Although the Nuggets have won the last two games the Lakers kept the most recent game fairly close. Additionally with some key possible exclusions and how the two sides are playing as of late this game is expected to be a close one.
However, the visitors are on a five-game winning streak and are playing some of the best basketball of the season. Although they played the Miami Heat last they faced a tough side and managed to pull out a win in the end by six points. Meanwhile, the Lakers are on a two-game winning streak and have looked better but they’ve lost two of their last three road games. Those losses came against the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors who are still good teams but they aren’t as good as Denver at this moment.
Do you see the reigning champs taking care of business on the road against the Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles | PK
-110 |
O 228
-108 |
-110 |
| Denver | PK
-110 |
U 228
-112 |
-110 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game Details
- Fixture: Denver @ Los Angeles
- Date and Time: March 2, 2024 @ 8:30 pm EST
- Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Los Angeles Lakers |
vs. |
Denver Nuggets |
| 33-28 | Record | 41-19 |
| 117.2 | Points Per Game | 114.4 |
| 49.6 | FG% | 49.2 |
| 37.0 | 3PT% | 36.7 |
| 42.6 | Rebounds Per Game | 44.3 |
| 117.6 | Points Allowed Per Game | 110.2 |
| 47.3 | Defensive FG% | 46.5 |
| 37.5 | Defensive 3PT% | 36.3 |
| 80.0 | Defensive FT% | 78.0 |
| 44.5 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 42.1 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 5-0 |
| 103.2 | Team Pace |
99.3 |
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles has placed itself in a position where they need to win games now. Although the Play-In Tournament is secure they want to rise in the rankings to get a better seed. Also, the Los Angeles Lakers know that they need to play better to achieve their playoff goals this year. Therefore tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets is important to not only win but they must at least keep this game competitive and show that they can fix some of the holes on their roster and within their game plan.
LeBron James is questionable with an injury but Anthony Davis looks ready to go. Although if either star is not able to play for whatever reason Austin Reaves needs to produce his season average of 15.6 points a game as he has scored less than that in four out of the last five. The Lakers need him to get going against the Nuggets if they are going to get key pace especially if the duo are unable to play today.
Denver Nuggets
Denver has a cheat code in Nikola Jokic. Although for some reason people are tired of him playing spectacular basketball he still is one of the best players in the league. Despite averaging 25.8 points a game, 12.3 rebounds a game and 9.3 assists per game. However, “voter fatigue” will likely prevent him from winning another MVP. But Michael Porter Jr. is having something of a scoring emergence. He chipped in 30 points in the win against the Miami Heat for the Denver Nuggets.
Also, Jamal Murray is questionable at this time he left the game early and may not see the floor today. But if Murray is able to play he needs to get back on track as he averages 20.5 points a game. The Denver Nuggets would like to see him score at least that amount against the Los Angeles Lakers if he can go tonight.
Game Prediction
I see this line as being way too low. The Denver Nuggets should be able to take care of business against the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James is already tapping too far into his reserves at this point in the season and it wouldn’t surprise me if this game gets out of hand early, to watch him rest for large portions of the second half. Especially with the recent form of the Nuggets, I see them to be by far the better team at this moment. Therefore getting the nuggets as a pick ’em tonight is the safe bet.
Furthermore, their defense has raised its level of play as of late and I see the under being the play here. Unless Anthony Davis and LeBron James go off then it could be threatened, but even then they would likely need a third scorer to first win the game and then push the total points over. Although this Los Angeles Lakers team has talent and they are capable of winning a game on any given night, I see tonight against the Denver Nuggets as a task that is too hard for them to pull off tonight.
Final Pick
Denver Nuggets MoneyLine and Under 228
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
