Denver Nuggets (58-25) vs LA Lakers (49-36)
Game Info: Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00 pm (Ball Arena)
Betting Odds: Denver Nuggets -275 / LA Lakers +225 --- Over/Under: 223.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets meet Monday in Game 2 West First Round NBA Playoffs action at the Ball Arena. Here’s a Lakers vs Nuggets prediction.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers look to even up the series before game 3 on Thursday. The LA Lakers are averaging 103 points on 49.4 percent shooting and allowing 114 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 32 points and 14 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 27 points and 6 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 4 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 27.6 percent from beyond the arc and 89.5 percent from the free throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets look to take a quick 2-0 series lead before going to LA. The Denver Nuggets are averaging 114 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 103 points on 49.4 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 22 points and 6 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is grabbing 2 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 83.3 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 27.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49 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
- Anthony Davis rank 2nd amongst qualified players for steals + blocks per game (3.5) this season.
- LeBron James is one of only four qualified players in the league averaging at least 7.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds 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
I want to take the Lakers and the points because the ability is there to hang around with the Nuggets and most of these recent games have been competitive. However, at some point we need to see results. The Nuggets have won 9 straight games against the Lakers and have covered 6 straight games. The Lakers had a big second quarter lead in game 1 and lost it fairly quickly. The Nuggets are 34-8 SU at home this season, and they've covered 5 of their last 6 games overall. Again, I need to see results and as of now the Nuggets are the Lakers daddy. I'll lay the points with the Nuggets in game 2.
Randy’s Pick Denver Nuggets -7.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
