Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction NBA Picks 3/2/24

Los Angeles Lakers (34-28) vs Denver Nuggets (41-19)

Game Info: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 8:30 pm (Crypto.com Arena)

Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -1 -- Over/Under: 232.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Denver Nuggets are riding a 5-game winning streak. The Los Angeles Lakers look for a win after winning 6 of their last 8 games. Here’s a Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers prediction.

Denver Nuggets Betting Preview

The Denver Nuggets beat the Wizards, Trail Blazers, Warriors, Kings, and Heat during this streak. The Denver Nuggets are averaging 114.4 points on 49.2 percent shooting and allowing 110.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.8 points and 12.3 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 20.5 points and 3.8 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 6.5 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 36.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from a loss to the Suns with wins over the Clippers and Wizards. The Los Angeles Lakers are averaging 117.2 points on 49.6 percent shooting and allowing 117.6 points on 47.3 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, while Anthony Davis is averaging 25.1 points and 12.3 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Los Angeles Lakers are shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and 77.4 percent from the free throw line. The Los Angeles Lakers are allowing 37.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game.

Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts

D'Angelo Russell ranks 15th amongst qualified players for assists per game (6.4) this season.
Austin Reaves ranks 24th amongst qualified players for FT% (86.5%) this season.

Denver Nuggets Player Facts

Nikola Jokic is one of only two qualified players in the league averaging at least 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season.

Matchup/League Facts

The Lakers rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.1).
The Lakers rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.8).
The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.6).
The Nuggets rank 2nd in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (11.4).

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers prediction

The Denver Nuggets in the underdog role is appealing, and I wouldn't talk you off the ledge if that's the direction you take. The Nuggets aren't going to be underdogs often the rest of the way. With that said, there's a good chance the Nuggets are without Jamal Murray and that's why this line has flipped. Also, the Lakers are starting to win games as they fight for playoff positioning. LeBron James has found another gear in recent games where he can't miss from the outside. It's nuts, given LeBron will be 40 years old in December. With likely no Murray, this is a game the Lakers should win at home. Give me the home team in this near pick em spot.