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The Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Lakers-Nuggets prediction and pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers are probably the most disappointing team in the NBA right now. They are just 21-21 on the season which puts them in the seven spot in the Western Conference. LA is coming off two-straight losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. LeBron James scored 34 in the loss and Russell Westbrook scored just eight on 2-14 shooting. That was arguably Westbrook's worst career game and that can not happen again if the Lakers want to be successful.
The Denver Nuggets are the 6-seed in the West, right in front of the Lakers. They are 21-19 on the season and are coming off a huge blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver is starting to find their groove after starting the season pretty slow. They are 14-12 against the West which is a good sign considering it's a very competitive conference. This should be an exciting game to pay attention to.
Here are the Lakers-Nuggets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Nuggets Odds
Los Angeles Lakers: +4 (-110)
Denver Nuggets: -4 (-110)
Over: 225.5 (-108)
Under: 225.5 (-112)
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Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Lakers can cover any spread they face if James is on the floor. James is currently second in the NBA in scoring behind Kevin Durant at 29.1 points per game. LA desperately relies on him to win games for them because if he isn't on his game, then neither are the Lakers. Anthony Davis continues to miss games with his injury and they really need him back if they want to get back to winning. As long as Davis is out, the Lakers will struggle to stay consistent. Westbrook needs to step up as well because he has yet to really play well in LA.
LA is just 5-5 in their last 10 games. Their defensive efforts are the reason for the struggle. They are allowing an abysmal 118 points per game during that stretch. That is not good at all but somehow the Lakers managed to average 119 points during those games. You don't know what you are going to get with this team and every time that happens, it usually doesn't turn out well. Denver is still dealing with injuries that hurt them, and the Lakers need to take advantage of their absences. If the Lakers want to cover this spread, they desperately need to shut down 2020-21 MVP Nikola Jokic.
Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread
Similar to the Lakers, the Nuggets rely on Jokic to be successful. The team goes as far as he takes them, but so far he is leading them back to their potential as they have a winning record in the West. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and a major reason fr that is their defense. Denver is allowing just 103 points per game during that stretch, 15 fewer points than the Lakers give up. That right there is a major factor to pay attention to. If Denver can keep the Lakers to a low-scoring affair, then the Nuggets should cover this spread.
Neither team is good against the spread as they are basically dead even in that category. The Nuggets clearly know what they need to do to win this game. Contain James and force Westbrook to force up tough shots. If that happens then the Nuggets should be in a position to cover this spread.
Final Lakers-Nuggets Prediction & Pick
This isn't an easy one to pick, but I think the Lakers are the right choice here. James isn't used to losing three straight times and I think he won't let it happen. The Lakers are being given four points here on the road so I think that is the safer bet.
Final Lakers-Nuggets Prediction & Pick: Lakers +4 (-110)
