| MATCHUP | Los Angeles Lakers | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 25-16 | 29-14 |
| Spread | -2.5 -110 | +2.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | -148 | +124 |
| Total | Over 227.5 (-112) | Under 227.5 (-108) |
| Where | Ball Arena, Denver, CO | |
| When | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:00 PM EST | |
| TV | NBC | |
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost to the Trail Blazers, beat the Raptors, and they play the Clippers next. The Lakers have lost 5 of their last 7 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 115.9 points on 49.6 percent shooting and allowing 116.3 points on 48.6 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is averaging 33.3 points and 8 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 26.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. LeBron James is the third double-digit scorer, and Deandre Ayton is grabbing 8.3 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc and 77.6 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.4 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets beat the Wizards, lost to the Hornets, and they play the Wizards next. The Nuggets have won 6 of their last 8 games.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 122.7 points on 50.2 percent shooting and allowing 117.5 points on 47.2 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.6 points and 12.2 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 25.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Aaron Gordon is the third double-digit scorer, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is grabbing 2.3 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 40.2 percent from beyond the arc and 81.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last eight home games following a loss.
- The Lakers have lost nine of their last 10 night games at Ball Arena.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites following a win.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games as home underdogs following a loss.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The favorites have won seven of the Nuggets’ last eight games at Ball Arena.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last four road games against the Nuggets.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven home games against Lakers teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of the Nuggets’ last 12 games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Lakers’ last nine night games at Ball Arena following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Marcus Smart is one of only six players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
- Rui Hachimura ranks T6th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (42.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (50.0%).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for three-point percentage this season (39.8%).
- The Lakers rank 2nd in the league for field goal percentage this season (49.6%).
- The Lakers rank 2nd in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (27.2).
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Injury Report
Nikola Jokic, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tamar Bates are out for the Nuggets.
The Lakers will be without Adou Thiero and Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
The Lakers are getting the benefit of the doubt because of the Nuggets’ injury situation, but that hasn’t stopped Denver from winning games. The Lakers have been shaky at best over the last couple of weeks, and they have stretches where they can’t score. The Nuggets are always a tough out at home, and they’re actually 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games as a home dog. The Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite. Of course, the Nuggets have also won 7 of the last 10 games against the Lakers. I’ll grab the free bucket with the home team.