The Denver Nuggets (35-16) travel to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers (27-25) on Thursday, February 8th. This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and televised on TNT. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 10:00 ET.
Nuggets vs Lakers
The Nuggets Are Coming Off A Win
The Nuggets won vs. the Trail Blazers in their most recent game, ending with a score of 112-103. The Nuggets were favored by -15 heading into the game, but their 9 point victory failed to cover the spread. Concerning the over/under, the total of 215 points remained below the established over/under line of 220.5.
When the Nuggets take on the Lakers, they come in with a 35-16 overall record and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. On the road, the Nuggets are 14-12 this season compared to their 21-4 record at home.
Denver comes in with an overall ATS record of 21-28 so far this season. Denver has failed to cover the spread in two straight home games and are 12-12 ATS at home compared to 9-16 on the road.
The Lakers Are Coming Off A Win
In their last game, the Lakers defeated the Hornets with a final score of 124-118. Leading up the game, the Lakers had a -13.5-point advantage on the spread but their 6 point win didn’t cover the spread. The over/under line for this matchup was set at 227 points, and the teams managed to exceed that total.
When looking at today’s game, the Lakers are coming in with an overall record of 27-25 and have won their last three games. As for their home and road records, the Lakers are 17-8 at home compared to 10-17 on the road this season.
Los Angeles currently has an ATS record below .500, sitting at 23-29 at this point. The Lakers currently have a two game ATS win streak as the underdog and are 12-17 vs. the spread as the favorite.
Nuggets Offense Breakdown
Denver has recorded an average of 114.8 points per game (16th) throughout 51 games games.
When it comes to scoring, the Nuggets are 16th in the league with an average of 114.8 points per game. However, they have been better at home, where they are 10th in the league with an average of 119.5 points per game.
So far this season, the Nuggets have outscored the NBA scoring average in 47.1% of their games. In terms of pace, Denver is the slowest team in the league, averaging just 95.7 possessions per game.
When it comes to shooting, the Nuggets are 6th in the league in field goal percentage at 49%. In terms of three-point shooting, Denver is 12th in the league at 37%.
Lakers Offense Breakdown
This season, the Los Angeles offense is ranked 14th in the NBA in scoring at 116.2 points per game.
At home, the Lakers are averaging 116.7 points per game this season, which is 15th in the NBA. Overall, they are 14th in the league at 116.2 points per game.
So far, the Lakers have outscored the NBA scoring average in 44.2% of their games this season. In terms of pace, they are 6th in the league at 101.2 possessions per game.
When it comes to field goal percentage, the Lakers are 7th in the NBA at 49%. However, they are just 28th in the league in three-point shooting at 36%.
Nuggets Team Defense
Coming into the game, the Nuggets defense has held opposing team’s to fewer points than the league average in 29.4% of their games. Currently, they are 4th in the NBA at 110.6 points per game allowed. In terms of two point field goal attempts, the Nuggets defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 52.8% while allowing 36.0% from downtown.
Lakers Team Defense
Currently, the Lakers’ defense holds the 18th rank in the NBA, allowing 117.1 points per game. When it comes to forced turnovers, the Lakers are forcing 13.6 per game, which is 21st in the league. They also come into the game sitting 10th in blocked shots at 5.5 per game.
Key Players For The Nuggets And Lakers
The outlook for today’s matchup points to Nikola Jokic as the primary point contributor for the Nuggets, finishing with 26 points while maintaining a 10/17 shooting accuracy. For the season, he has been averaging 26.3 points per game, in addition to 12.2 rebounds.
On the other side, Anthony Davis is our projected leading scorer for the Lakers. We have him ending the game with a team-high 24 and grabbing 13 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 55.4% and is averaging 24.7 points per contest.
Nuggets vs Lakers Trends
- Although Denver has a straight up record of 3-2 in their last five road games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 2-2-1. The team averaged 102 points per game in these games.
- Through their last five home contests, the Lakers offense has averaged 118 points per game while allowing an average of 120. Los Angeles posted an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 ATS.
- The Lakers have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.
- In their last three contests as the favorite, Denver has a poor record vs the spread going 1-2. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 3-0.
Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction
As the underdogs with a spread of +3.5, we recommend going with the Lakers on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 231 and given that our model is projecting 230 points between the teams, we like the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:February 8, 2024 Lakers, Nuggets