The Denver Nuggets(57-25) host the Los Angeles Lakers(47-35) for Game 2 of this 7-game series in Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
In game one, the Nuggets triumphed over the Lakers in a 114-103 victory. We have one more game to play in Denver before we move to L.A., and Game 2 is always crucial in the playoffs. The home team Nuggets would love to take both home games and go up 2-0, but if the Lakers can steal one on the road, that sets them up nicely for a series upset.
Which team will be able to win this game and take one step closer to moving on to Round 2 in the NBA playoffs?
Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Denver Nuggets | -7.5
-112 |
O 224
-112 |
-305 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +7.5
-108 |
U 224
-108 |
+245 |
| ** Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Nuggets vs. Lakers Game Details
- Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets
- Date and Time: April 22, 2024 @ 10:00 pm EST
- Location: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Denver Nuggets | vs. | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 57-25 | Record | 47-35 |
| 114.8 | Points Per Game | 117.8 |
| 49.5 | FG% | 49.8 |
| 37.4 | 3PT% | 37.5 |
| 52.4 | Rebounds Per Game | 51.4 |
| 109.5 | Points Allowed Per Game | 117.2 |
| 46.2 | Opponent FG% | 47.2 |
| 35.4 | Opponent 3PT% | 37.4 |
| 77.3 | Opponent FT% | 79.7 |
| 49.4 | Opponent Rebounds Against | 50.9 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 W-L | 3-2 |
| 99.9 | Team Pace | 104.7 |
Key Stats
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets showed the Lakers why they are the reigning champs in game 1. In a decisive 11-point victory, Nikola Jokic put on a show with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, other guys also stepped up. Jamal Murray had 22 points, and Michael Porter Jr. had 19.
For the Nuggets to win back-to-back games vs. this team, they need to do two things as well as they did in game 1. They need to win on the offensive glass and win the turnover battle. In game 1, Denver had 11 more offensive rebounds and 8 fewer turnovers than L.A. This led to having 102 shots compared to the opposition’s 79 shots.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, on the other hand, have to make some adjustments for game 2 of this series. LeBron James and Anthony Davis scored 59 combined points, but they were missing some help from their other teammates. Excluding James, the L.A. shot 5 for 24 from three. Shooting 20% from three is not going to cut it against a good team.
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
- Collin Gillespie – OUT
- Vlatko Cancar – OUT
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James – Probable
- Anthony Davis – Probable
- Cam Reddish – OUT
- Jared Vanderbilt – OUT
- Christian Wood – OUT
Game Prediction
This is one of the larger spreads we’ve seen so far in the playoffs, at 7.5. However, Denver is just that good. They are 33-8 as a home favorite this season, with a margin of victory just below 10 points. The Lakers lost the offensive rebound, turnover, three-point, and assist battles in game one. For a team with this much experience, I don’t see that happening again.
I think that too much went wrong for the Lakers in Game 1. Despite this, they only lost by 11 and were only down six points with six minutes left. I expect the Lakers to clean up their offense and 7.5 points is too much for a playoff game between two good teams.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Lakers +7.5 (-108)
About the Author
Caden is a massive sports fan and has been following the professional leagues for as long as he can remember. His main sports are NFL and NBA, but he watches and can talk about all sports. If you want more great sports insight or are looking for sports betting advice, follow Caden on Twitter @CadenBahry. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
