Denver Nuggets (57-25) vs LA Lakers (49-35)
Game Info: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 8:30 pm (Ball Arena)
Betting Odds: Denver Nuggets -7.5 / LA Lakers +7.5 --- Over/Under: 224 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ABC
The LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets meet Saturday in Game 1 West NBA Playoffs action at the Ball Arena. Here’s a Lakers vs Nuggets prediction.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers recently beat the Grizzlies and Pelicans, while losing to the Timberwolves and Warriors. The LA Lakers are averaging 118 points on 49.9 percent shooting and allowing 117.4 points on 47.4 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Anthony Davis is averaging 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 4.3 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 37.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.1 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets recently beat the Jazz, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies while losing to the Spurs. The Denver Nuggets are averaging 114.9 points on 49.6 percent shooting and allowing 109.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.4 points and 12.4 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 21.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 6.5 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and 76.2 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.4 rebounds per game.
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.
- Jamal Murray ranks 10th amongst qualified players for 3P% (42.5%) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Spencer Dinwiddie ranks 10th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.9) this season.
- Rui Hachimura ranks 4th amongst qualified Forwards for 3P% (42.2%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (31.2).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.5).
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.2).
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (93.7).
Lakers vs Nuggets prediction
The Nuggets are getting a lot of love with this line because of home court and their previous dominance over the Lakers. Of course, the Nuggets swept the Lakers in last year's playoffs, and they've won 8 straight games against them overall. The Nuggets beat the Lakers on the road by 10 points a little over a month ago. I get it. However, the Lakers are probably better than they were a season ago, especially if D’Angelo Russell is going to continue playing the way he's played the last few weeks. Also, while the Nuggets swept, 3 of the 4 games were decided by 6 or fewer points. The Nuggets have also been on cruise control for a while, allowing teams to hang around and pulling away late. Can the Nuggets flip the switch that easily? This series has a chance to be closer than expected. Give me the Lakers and the points.
Randy’s Pick LA Lakers +7.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
