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

Prediction published on 02/03/2024, 05:50  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Denver Nuggets will travel to the Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA on Saturday night. The hosts are 33-28 and tenth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 41-19 and third in the Conference standings. 

The Denver Nuggets have been performing excellently, having won eight of their last 11 games overall. They are now on a quest for a sixth consecutive victory following a hard-fought 103-97 home win against the Heat on Thursday. Michael Porter Jr. was instrumental in this win, leading the team with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Nikola Jokic also had a strong performance, contributing 18 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. In terms of scoring, the Nuggets rank 18th in the league, averaging 114.4 points per game, while the Lakers' defense ranks 20th in points allowed per game, conceding 117.6. However, the Nuggets have been relying on their defense to secure wins, allowing an average of 110.2 points per game, which places them ninth overall in the league. There is uncertainty surrounding Jamal Murray, who is listed as questionable for this match.

The Los Angeles Lakers have also been in exceptional form, winning nine of their last 12 games overall. They will be keen to maintain this momentum after narrowly defeating the Washington Wizards in a thrilling 134-131 overtime home win on Thursday. Anthony Davis led the team with an impressive 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, while LeBron James also contributed significantly, scoring 31 points and providing nine assists. The Lakers boast the 12th-ranked offense in the NBA, averaging 117.2 points per game, while the Denver Nuggets have the fifth-ranked defense, allowing an average of 110.2 points per game. In the current season, the Lakers are scoring an average of 2.0 more points per game at home (118.2) than on the road (116.2). However, defensively, the Lakers are conceding an average of 117.6 points per game. The Lakers will be without Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, and Jared Vanderbilt.