Denver Nuggets (8-5) vs. LA Lakers (10-5)
November 23, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: LA Lakers -3.5; Over/Under: +229
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Nuggets travel to the Crypto.com Arena to battle the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Here’s a LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction. This article will include a LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Pick.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have been in pretty good shape as they’ve won six of their last nine games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after falling just short to the Mavericks in a 123-120 loss last night. Nikola Jokic led the team with a triple-double of 33 points with 17 rebounds and 10 assists, Michael Porter Jr and Christian Braun each scored 17 points while Peyton Watson chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field and 15 of 29 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrible start and quickly found themselves trailing by 24 points. The Nuggets fought back in the second half to cut the deficit to just two points before the Mavericks went on a final run to snatch the game away.
Los Angeles Lakers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in great form as they were riding a six-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the Magic in a 119-118 loss on Thursday. Anthony Davis led the team with 39 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, LeBron James added 31 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists while Dalton Knecht chipped in with 17 points. As a team, the Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 13 of 31 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Lakers and trailed for most of the contest, but they kept the scores close and finally made their move with 3.1 seconds left to go as Franz Wagner drained the game-winner to snatch the win at the end.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last six home games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games following a home loss.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last six games as favorites following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Nuggets’ last seven games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (21.1).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (27.0).
- The Nuggets rank 2nd in the league for assists per game this season (29.9).
- The Nuggets rank 29th in the league for opponent assists per game this season (29.1).
LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets are still shorthanded with Aaron Gordon still out, while the Lakers are still missing Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Nuggets are coming into this game with plenty of momentum, but they will be disappointed with last night’s loss to the Mavericks as they would’ve won if they didn’t get off to such a poor start. The Lakers are in similar form as they were on a great run before losing by one point to the Magic in their last outing. This should be a close contest, but with the line so short, I have to stick with the Lakers to get the narrow win and cover at home.
