by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Apr 18, 2024
Game Time: 8:30 pm ET, Saturday, April 20, 2024
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Where to Watch: ABC
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Lakers +7, Nuggets -7; Over/Under: 223.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Lakers +7, Nuggets -7; Over/Under: 223.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Lakers +7.5, Nuggets -7.5; Over/Under: 223.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Lakers: 47-35 (3rd place, Pacific Division)
Denver Nuggets: 57-25 (2nd place, Northwest Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers: 7-3 last 10
Denver Nuggets: 6-4 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Preview and Analysis
The Lakers are entering this game with a 47-35 record overall to finish the regular season and they were 19-21 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game winning streak with wins coming against the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans in their last 2 games. In their last game against the Pelicans in the play-in tournament, LeBron James led the team in points in that game with 23 while D'Angelo Russell was next on the team with 21 points. LeBron James led the team in assists in that game with 9 while Anthony Davis led the team in rebounds with 15. They were 41.7% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 89.7% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 118 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 117.4 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 40-44 this season and their O/U record is 47-36-1.
The Nuggets are entering this game with a 57-25 record overall to finish the regular season and they were 33-8 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game. Jamal Murray led the team in points in that game with 21 while Christian Braun was next on the team with 19 points. Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić, and Christian Braun each led the team in assists in that game with 5 while Nikola Jokić led the team in rebounds with 15. They were 51.7% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 84.6% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 109.6 PPG against them. The Nuggets have an ATS record of 38-42-2 this season and their O/U record is 35-47.
Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction
The current betting odds have the Nuggets listed as a 7 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. This is game 1 of a 7 game series between the 2nd seeded Nuggets and the 7th seeded Lakers for Round 1 of the NBA Western Conference playoffs. The Nuggets have looked great in their games this season with their 57-25 record overall which had them finish 2nd in the West with one of the best records in the entire NBA. They were right in the race for the number 1 seed in the West until that last game of the regular season, but they still have the home advantage in this series and have looked a lot better on their home court this year. They have a 33-8 home record which is one of the best home records in the entire NBA and they have also been very fortunate against this Lakers team in previous games. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked good in their games this season with their 47-35 record overall, but they still needed the play-in tournament to make the playoffs and almost got stuck in the 9th/10th seed game. They managed to get themselves into the 8th seed and beat the Pelicans to earn this 7th seed in the playoffs, but they haven't been a good road team this year with their 19-21 road record. The Lakers have been the slightly hotter team coming into this one with their 7-3 record in their last 10 games while the Nuggets are only 6-4, but the Nuggets have a really strong home advantage with the altitude and they did sweep this Lakers team in the NBA Finals last year. The best way to place a bet here is on the Nuggets to cover the spread in this game.
Lakers Nuggets Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Saturday, April 20, 2024 (8:30 pm ET start time) is Nuggets 128 Lakers 112.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 5-11 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent. 7-18 ATS off an upset win as a road underdog. 16-33 ATS after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games. 6-3 UNDER when playing with triple revenge - 3 straight losses vs. opponent. 7-4 UNDER after 3 or more consecutive wins.
Denver Nuggets: 20-10 ATS as a # 2 seed in the playoffs. 4-2 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more. 39-21 UNDER when the total is greater than or equal to 220. 11-6 UNDER against Pacific division opponents. 17-9 UNDER after a win by 10 points or more.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers: C. Reddish (SF) Ques Sat - Ankle. J. Vanderbilt (SF) Late April - Foot. J. Hood-Schifino (PG) Out indefinitely - Back. C. Wood (PF) Out indefinitely - Knee.
Denver Nuggets: C. Gillespie (PG) Ques Sat - Knee. V. Cancar (SF) out for season - Knee.
Notable Quotes
“Tonight we showcased what we were able to do both offensively and defensively. We’ve got a good group going right now, good rotation, good plan and guys are coming in ready to go.” - LeBron James after their win against the Pelicans in their game on Tuesday in the NBA play-in tournament for the playoffs in the West.
“To tie the franchise record for wins in a season is outstanding, especially on the heels of winning a championship. That's been the mantra all year long. Not being satisfied.” - Michael Malone after his team’s win against the Grizzlies in their last game of the regular season on Sunday.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
PG D'Angelo Russell
SG Austin Reaves
SF LeBron James
PF Rui Hachimura
C Anthony Davis
Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF Michael Porter Jr.
PF Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. James (25.7)
APG: L. James (8.3)
Reb/G: A. Davis (12.6)
Denver Nuggets
PPG: N. Jokic (26.4)
APG: N. Jokic (9)
Reb/G: N. Jokic (12.4)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Lakers: Darvin Ham (2nd season)
Denver Nuggets: Michael Malone (9th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
