Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 08/02/2024, 03:12  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 08/02/2024 at 03:12 in NBA Predictions

The LA Lakers will be looking to end their losing run against the Denver Nuggets when they host them next in the NBA. Eight and a half games separate the two teams in the Western Conference with third-placed Denver having the edge over LA in ninth. The Lakers have lost six in a row against the Nuggets. They lost the first meeting of the season in Denver back in October by 12 points. As they seem to have settled their nerves a bit in recent outings, Darvin Ham’s men will be confident of a win. The Lakers have won their last three games which is the first time they have won as many consecutively since December. They defeated the Hornets 124-118 last time out to end a six-game road trip. LA are now two games above .500. Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent will continue to be sidelined and will not play here. The Lakers are averaging 116.4 points a game.

The Nuggets aren’t scoring the ball better than the Lakers and are averaging 114.8 points. Their fourth-ranked defence, however, which is holding teams to 110.6 points, is what is giving them the edge. Mike Malone’s men are tied with the two other teams above them in the West standings with all three teams having 35-16 records. Denver have won their last two matches which have been back-to-back games against the Blazers. They won 112-103 last time out, dropping eight points after they had won the first game 120-108. Vlatko Cancar remains sidelined for the Nuggets while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a doubt to face his former team. Two of the Nuggets' six successive wins over LA have come away from home.