The Los Angeles Lakers (40-24) travel to face off against the Denver Nuggets (42-24) on Friday, March 14th. This game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver and televised on NBA. Both the Lakers and Nuggets will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 9:30 ET.

Lakers vs Nuggets

The Lakers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Lakers fell to 40-24 on the season after a 126-106 road loss to the Bucks on Thursday. Los Angeles, who entered the game as +6 underdogs, failed to cover the spread, losing by 20 points. The total score of 232 points exceeded the O/U line of 226.5 by 5.5 points.

Milwaukee took control in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Lakers 31-19 to extend their lead to 102-82 heading into the 4th. The teams played an even 4th quarter, each scoring 24 points.

The Nuggets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Nuggets fell to 42-24 on the season after a 115-95 home loss to the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Denver, favored by 1.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 210 points fell short of the 233-point over/under line.

Denver went on a 10-0 run early, narrowing the score from 43-31 to 43-41, but couldn’t maintain momentum. After being outscored 32-27 in the 3rd quarter, they entered the 4th down 89-75 and were outscored 26-20 in the final period.

Lakers Offense Breakdown

In the Lakers’ 126-106 loss to the Bucks, Luka Dončić led the way with 45 points, hitting 7 threes at a 53.8% clip. He also added 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Austin Reaves contributed 28 points, connecting on 4 threes at 57.1% shooting from deep.

As a team, the Lakers made 15 threes, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. Overall, they shot 43.7% from the field. Dončić scored 16 points in the 1st quarter and added 13 more in the 2nd.

Nuggets Offense Breakdown

In Wednesday’s 115-95 loss to the Timberwolves, the Nuggets struggled offensively, shooting just 40.4% from the field and hitting only 7 threes at a 23.3% clip. Nikola Jokić led the way with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 56.5% overall and making 2 threes at 33.3%.

Russell Westbrook added 19 points on 66.7% shooting, while Jamal Murray contributed 12 points despite shooting just 26.7%. Jokić scored 15 points in the 1st quarter, while Westbrook added 13 in the 2nd, and Murray put up 11 in the 3rd.

Lakers Team Defense

The Lakers struggled defensively against the Bucks, giving up 126 points in the loss. They allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter and 38 in the 2nd, with Milwaukee scoring 31 in the 3rd. Los Angeles did hold the Bucks to 24 points in the 4th. Milwaukee shot 47% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Lakers allowed 17 threes on 42% shooting. The Bucks also went to the line 33 times, making 27 free throws. The Lakers gave up 7 offensive rebounds and recorded 3 steals and 4 blocks.

Nuggets Team Defense

The Lakers struggled defensively against the Bucks, giving up 126 points in the loss. They allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter and 38 in the 2nd, with Milwaukee shooting 47% from the field. The Lakers tightened up in the 4th quarter, allowing 24 points, but it wasn’t enough.

From beyond the arc, the Bucks hit 17 threes, shooting 42%. The Lakers also sent Milwaukee to the line 33 times, with the Bucks converting 27 free throws. Los Angeles finished with 33 defensive rebounds, allowing 7 offensive boards, and recorded 3 steals and 4 blocks.

Lakers vs Nuggets Trends

• Across their three previous road games, Los Angeles has an ATS mark of 0-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-3 while averaging 105 points per game.
• Through their last ten home games, Denver has an ATS record of just 4-6. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 119 points per game.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the Lakers have gone 1-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
• Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Nuggets have a strong record of 2-1. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 0-3.

Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction

Not only do we have the Nuggets winning this one by a score of 124-94, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Nuggets at -14.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 232 and our model has the Lakers and Nuggets finishing with a combined 218 points. Our pick is to take 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.