The Brooklyn Nets (43-24) visit the Mile High City Saturday for a 10 p.m. ET game with the Denver Nuggets (44-23) at Ball Arena. Below, we analyze the Nets-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Brooklyn has lost four in a row following a four-game winning streak and is 4-4 against the spread in those contests.
The four losses have come against tough competition, however, as the Nets lost Thursday to a surging Dallas Mavericks and dropped back-to-back at the Milwaukee Bucks.
Denver has lost two of three including to a LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers Monday and the banged-up Utah Jazz last night.
Before this three-game stretch, the Nuggets won five straight, but are just 4-4 ATS in their previous eight as well.
The Nets held serve at home in their first meeting with the Nuggets this season, winning 122-116 as 1.5-point favorites.
Kevin Durant was sensational, scoring 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting with 13 assists and nine rebounds.
Nets at Nuggets: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:45 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Nets -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Nuggets +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread/ATS: Nets -4 (-110) | Nuggets +4 (-110)
- Over/Under: 232.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Nets at Nuggets: Key injuries
Nets
- PG James Harden (hamstring) out
Nuggets
- SG Will Barton (hamstring) questionable
- PG Monte Morris (hamstring) questionable
- SG P.J. Dozier (groin) out
- PG Jamal Murray (knee) out
Special NBA Betting Promotion!
Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!
Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Nets at Nuggets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Nets 119, Nuggets 117
Money line (ML)
My rationale for Brooklyn’s recent losing streak is now that the season is winding down we are starting to see the teams with more continuity rounding into form entering the postseason.
That, and probable MVP Nikola Jokic, are Denver’s only two advantages over Brooklyn.
Also, this Nets-Nuggets game is going to be a referendum on Denver’s trade deadline acquisition of wing Aaron Gordon who was brought in for the main purpose of being a capable defender/athlete in the same weight class as the KDs, LeBrons and Kawhis of the Association.
However, KD has dominated Gordon historically; KD has scored 91 points in his past two games against Gordon (once earlier this season).
Durant’s teams are 8-0 when playing Gordon’s squads, and KD is averaging 31.6 points per game on .536/.380/.947 shooting.
I’ll take Denver plus the points because of the continuity angle, but no way I’m betting the Nuggets (+145) to beat a Nets team that has shown up all year vs. tough opponents and presumably wants to stop the bleeding.
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
“LEAN” to the NUGGETS +4 (-110) for a half unit since Brooklyn has lost four straight against teams with a similar profile as Denver’s.
Also, the Nuggets are 4-1 ATS against teams with a 60% or better winning percentage and 4-1 in their last five as an underdog.
Over/Under (O/U)
“LEAN” to the OVER 232.5 (-115) for a one-third unit because the Nets are 14-7 O/U as a road favorite and the Nuggets are 4-1 O/U as a home dog.
Furthermore, I don’t see Denver having trouble getting into its offense even with a banged-up backcourt since Brooklyn takes naps on defense
Plus the Nets have significant mismatches with KD vs. Gordon and Kyrie Irving vs. any Nuggets guard so their offense is in good shape.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]