The Lakers (51-18), who are on a free fall after securing the top of the conference, are facing the Nuggets (46-24), who are 3-1 in their last 4 games. On the other hand, LA has lost four of its last five games and it looks like they’re doing load management.
Date/Time: 08-10-2020, 21:00 EDT
Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -5.5 Total: +221
Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers have a 51-18 record (36-32-1 ATS). They have already clinched the first place of the West. They have three consecutive losses. In their last game, they got defeated by the Pacers, 111-116. They failed to cover the -5.5 handicap.
Anthony Davis leads the team both in scoring with 26.1 ppg and in rebounding with 9.4. He is struggling in his last 3 games, averaging just 11.3 ppg.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have a 46-24 record (32-34-4 ATS) and are third in the West. In their last game, they won against the Jazz in overtime, 134-132. They covered the +1 spread.
Nikola Jokic leads the team in scoring with 20.4 ppg, in rebounding with 10 and in assists made with 7 per game. Michael Porter Jr has been outstanding in his last 4, averaging 29.2 ppg and 12.5 rebounds.
Head-to-Head
The Lakers lead the Nuggets 2-1 wins this season.
They have won twice on the road by 9 and 4 points.
The Lakers are better both offensively (113.2 to 111.2) and defensively (107 to 108.6).
They also have a better FG% (47.8% to 47.2%) and are better in rebounding (45.9 to 44.3).
On the other hand, the Nuggets have a better 3pt% (35.5% to 34.6%). They are better both in assists made (26.6 to 25.3) and in turnovers committed (13.8 to 15.2).
Bookmakers give the Lakers a -5.5 spread but don’t expect them to beat the odds. They are playing without incentive and just saving energy for the playoffs.
Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction: Denver Nuggets +5.5 (-113)
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