The Denver Nuggets (17-10) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (11-16) Friday with tip-off at Crypto.com Arena at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Nuggets have won 3 straight games and are coming off a 141-128 home win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, covering the 11-point spread as favorites. It snapped a streak of 5 games failing to cover the spread.
The Lakers have dropped 4 of their last 5 games and are coming off a 122-118 overtime loss at home against the Boston Celtics. The game ended as a push with the 4-point spread.
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Nuggets at Lakers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Lakers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -1.5 (-105) | Lakers +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries
Nuggets
- G Collin Gillespie (leg) out
- F Michael Porter Jr. (heel) out
Lakers
- F Anthony Davis (back) probable
- F Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) out
- F LeBron James (ankle) probable
- F Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 122, Lakers 118
Moneyline
The Lakers and Nuggets have split their first 2 meetings this season, each winning on their home court.
The Nuggets are 9-7 on the road this season. The Lakers are 6-7 at home and after winning 3 straight at home have lost 2 of their last 3 there.
The Lakers defense is 25th in the league, allowing 116.6 points per game, while the Nuggets are No. 7 in scoring at 116.0 points per game.
The moneyline and the spread are almost the same bet, so either wager is good. BET NUGGETS (-120).
Against the spread
Both teams are very similar in ATS performance. The Nuggets are 12-15 ATS and the Lakers are 11-15-1 ATS on the season.
The Nuggets failed to cover the spread in 5 straight games before winning and covering against the Wizards.
The Lakers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
Since the spread is under 2 points, it will be very difficult to win and not cover the spread. This wager is worth a little more than the moneyline, so BET NUGGETS -1.5 (-105).
Over/Under
Seven of the last 8 games for the Lakers have had totals of more than 236 points. The highest total of the 2 meetings between the 2 teams this season is 231. Only 2 of the last 7 for the Nuggets have had at least 237 points.
BET OVER 237.5 (-110).
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