Nuggets Lakers odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers meet in Game 4 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series on Saturday. Tip-off at Crypto.com Arena is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Nuggets lead 3-0

The Nuggets picked up a 112-105 win in Game 3 as 1.5-point underdogs, pushing the Lakers to the brink of elimination. Denver is threatening to sweep Los Angeles out of the postseason for the 2nd consecutive year, too. The defending champs bounced the Lakers in 4 games in last season’s Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers have had difficulty generating offense, going for just 102.3 points per game (PPG), while covering only once in 3 tries. The Under has connected in each of the games in this series.

Denver has not only covered 2 of 3 in this series, but it is on a 6-2 against the spread (ATS) run since April 6 of the regular season. It has won 11 straight games against LeBron James and the Lakers, too, while going an impressive 7-1 ATS in the past 8 meetings.

Nuggets at Lakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Lakers +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Against the spread: Nuggets -3.5 (-110) | Lakers +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

G Reggie Jackson (ankle) questionable

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (wrist) questionable
F LeBron James (ankle) probable
F Cam Reddish (ankle) out
F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
F Christian Wood (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 109, Lakers 103

Moneyline

The Nuggets (-165) are moderate favorites on the road, as they look to close things out with a sweep for the 2nd consecutive season against the Lakers (+135).

Denver has won 11 in a row against Los Angeles, so it’s pretty hard to consider the Lakers here. However, Denver is a much better play laying the little bit of points.

PASS.

Against the spread

The NUGGETS -3.5 (-110) were actually underdogs in Game 3. That’s hard to believe. The books have installed Denver as a slight favorite, as they look to broom the Lakers +3.5 (-110).

All the defending champs need to do is win by 2 buckets to get the job done. Denver has won the 3 games by an average margin of just 5.3 points per game (PPG), so none of the contests have been lopsided. But the Nuggets have been moving the ball around better, while the Lakers have tended to set picks to create space for LeBron, and they don’t move nearly as much on the offensive end. It’s a clash in styles, and so far it’s Denver’s style, which is winning out.

Over/Under

UNDER 218.5 (-110) is a strong play as Denver looks to close this one out, while potentially cashing low for the 4th consecutive time in this series.

The Under is 6-1 in the past 7 meetings between these teams, too. These teams were on an Over roll to close out the season, but defense has reigned supreme in this series so far.

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Denver Nuggets (41-19) take a quick, 1-game road trip Saturday to face the Los Angeles Lakers (33-28). Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Nuggets lead 2-0.

The Nuggets are streaking. They have won 5 in a row since returning from the All-Star break. They are 10-4 in their last 14 games. They are coming off a 103-97 home win over the Miami Heat Thursday, just missing covering the spread as they were 6.5-point favorites.

The Lakers have won 2 in a row and are 3-2 since the break. They are 6-2 in their last 8 games. They last played Thursday a 134-131 home win over the Washington Wizards, failing to cover the 10.5-point spread as favorites.

Nuggets at Lakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -115 (bet $115 to win $105) | Lakers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -1.5 (+105) | Lakers +1.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (personal) questionable
F Vlatko Cancar (knee) out
F Braxton Key (personal) out
G Jamal Murray (ankle) questionable

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (Achilles) probable
F LeBron James (ankle) questionable
F Cam Reddish (ankle) questionable
F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
G Gabe Vincent (knee) out
F Christian Wood (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 112, Lakers 105

Moneyline

The Nuggets have won 5 games in a row and, in the last 3, have allowed 103 or fewer points. They have beaten the Lakers 7 straight times.

The Lakers are fantastic at home at 22-9 and have won 4 straight at Crypto.com Arena, but their home loss was to the Nuggets last month.

The Lakers have allowed 118 or more points in 5 of their last 6 games and in 4 of 5 since the break.

I give the Nuggets the edge so betting them here is a fine bet, but betting them on the spread is better.

PASS.

Against the spread

If you like the Nuggets on the moneyline, you should like them even more against the spread. All 41 of their wins have been by 2 or more points. It is highly unlikely they win the game but don’t cover the 1.5-point spread.

Both teams have losing ATS records this season, so neither is a consistent bet to cover. But with even money odds for the Nuggets to win by 2 or more, BET NUGGETS -1.5 (+105).

Over/Under

Neither matchup between the teams has reached 228 points this season.

The Nuggets’ last 3 games have stayed below the projection for this matchup.

However, all 8 of the Lakers’ games since losing to the Nuggets last month have been over tonight’s projection.

Do you trust the Lakers more on offense or the Nuggets more on defense right now? I like Denver’s defense.

BET UNDER 228.5 (-115).

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 4 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets try to sweep the Los Angeles Lakers Monday in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Tip from Crypto.com Arena is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Series: Nuggets lead 3-0

G Jamal Murray had one of his best games ever as the Nuggets prevailed 119-108 in Game 3. Murray had 37 points, 7 boards and 6 assists to put the Nuggets up 3-0. C Nikola Jokic ended his triple-double streak with 26 points, 6 boards and 8 assists. They’re playing with house money at this point.

No team in NBA history has rallied back from a 3-0 playoff deficit in NBA history. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Lakers are cooked, but it doesn’t look promising. F LeBron James had 23 points, 12 boards and 7 assists while shooting 3-for-9 from distance after beginning the series 0-for-13. C Anthony Davis also added 28 points and 18 boards.

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Nuggets at Lakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:39 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Lakers -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +3.5 (-115) | Lakers -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

None

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (foot) probable
F LeBron James (foot) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 116, Nuggets 111

Moneyline

It would be too harsh of a narrative for LBJ to get swept, and unless everyone just fades around him, the Lakers should extend this another game. Superstars get you one, but I’d rather look to the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Nuggets are just 2-5 in their last 7 meetings in LA and 1-4 ATS in the last 5 overall. The Lakers have also gone 7-0 ATS in the last 7 following a loss of 10 or more and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 at home. I’m totally comfortable laying the points here.

Take the LAKERS -3.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Over cashed in 2 of the 3 games, and this one is a stout number. The Over is 15-7-2 in the last 24 in LA and 33-16-2 in the last 51 meetings overall. The Over is 6-1-1 in Denver’s last 8 road games and 5-1 in the last 6 conference finals games. Denver is averaging nearly 120 per game in the series by themselves.

With that said, I’ll LEAN OVER 224.5 (-105).

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Lakers for game 3 of the Western Conference Finals Saturday. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Series: Nuggets lead 2-0

Denver defended home court Thursday with a 108-103 win to take a 2-0 lead on the Lakers. Denver trailed for a good chunk of the game, even being down 11 points at one point. It was a heroic 23-point, 4th quarter performance from G Jamal Murray that propelled the Nuggets to victory. Murray finished with 37 points.

The Lakers had Thursday’s game in their hands, but Murray’s hot 4th quarter and poor play down the stretch from F/C Anthony Davis and F Lebron James led to the L.A. loss. Davis finished with 18 points on 4-of-15 shooting, while James scored 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 0-of-6 beyond the arc.

However, the Lakers did cover as 5.5-point underdogs — they also covered by a hook in game 1, getting 6.5 points in a 132-126 defeat.

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Nuggets at Lakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Lakers -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +5.5 (-110) | Lakers -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

None

Lakers

F/C Anthony Davis (foot) probable
F LeBron James (foot) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 115, Nuggets 109

Moneyline

PASS.

This is a pretty much a must-win game for the Lakers as this game is on their home floor and they can’t afford to fall into a 3-0 hole in the series. LeBron and Co. will win Saturday, but the -250 moneyline price is simply too risky to play. Bet on the spread or O/U instead.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS -5.5 (-110).

The Lakers have been dominant against the spread lately, going 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games. They’re also 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games and 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 conference final games.

While the Nuggets are 63-32 ATS on the season, including the playoffs (according to Teamrankings.com), they have struggled against the number vs. the Lakers. They’re 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings vs. the Lakers and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 at L.A.

Over/Under

BET OVER 222.5 (-110).

These are 2 very strong defensive teams, but the trends suggest that the Over is the way to go here.

The Over is 5-1-1 in Denver’s last 7 road games and 4-1 in its last 5 conference final games.

As for the Lakers, the Over is 5-3 in their last 8 games.

The strongest trend for this play is that the Over is also 30-14-2 in the last 46 head-to-head meetings between the Nuggets and Lakers (per Covers.com).

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets (4-2) and Los Angeles Lakers (0-5) meet Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Nuggets covered as 7.5-point home favorites in a 117-101 win vs. the Utah Jazz Friday. G Bones Hyland scored a game-high 26 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the 3-point line; seven Nuggets players finished with double-digit points.

Denver is 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in its last 5 games after winning its previous game by more than 10 points.

The Lakers dropped to 0-5 ATS when they failed to cover as 8-point underdogs in a 111-102 loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday. Los Angeles was without F/C Anthony Davis who was out with a back injury.

The Lakers are +110 underdogs to reach the playoffs.

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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 8:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Lakers +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -3.5 (-115) | Lakers +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) questionable

Lakers

F/C Anthony Davis (back) questionable
F LeBron James (foot) probable
G Dennis Schröder (thumb) out
F Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Lakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 106, Lakers 105

Moneyline

PASS.

Nuggets (-165) ML is too expensive to bet vs. a Lakers team that desperately needs a win. I expect F LeBron James to have a big game offensively Sunday in order to avoid the negative press that would come with an 0-6 start.

Against the spread

BET LAKERS +3.5 (-105).

The Lakers have underperformed in every game this season but catching 3.5 points at home is an overreaction.

The Nuggets are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 7th-best odds to win the NBA Finals at +1500. They are not even projected to reach the Western Conference Finals. They have no business laying 3.5 points in Los Angeles vs. a desperate James-led team.

Take the points as Los Angeles battles to get its 1st win of the season.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 222.5 (-112).

The Lakers’ defense has been above average this season, allowing 110.6 points per game (11th in NBA). The Under is 4-0 in the Lakers’ last 4 games and I expect it to hit again Sunday as Los Angeles ramps up the defensive effort in hopes of getting its 1st win.

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (31-46) host the Denver Nuggets (46-32) Sunday in the second of an ABC afternoon doubleheader. Tip-off at Crypto.com Arena is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Both teams will be at peak motivation since each is jostling for playoff seeding. Denver is 2 games in front of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth and final non-play-in seed in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles is on the outside looking in at the playoff picture in the West, currently in 11th place, 1 game behind the San Antonio Spurs for the 10th and final play-in seed.

The Nuggets lost their last outing Friday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-130 in Denver, snapping a three-game win streak. The Lakers lost their fifth consecutive game Friday 114-111 to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Denver smacked L.A. 133-96 as a 4.5-point home favorite Jan. 15. Reigning MVP C Nikola Jokic had a 17-12-13 triple-double but the Lakers were without PF Anthony Davis.

Nuggets at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:24 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Nuggets -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Lakers +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread: Nuggets -3.5 (-108) | Lakers +3.5 (-112)
Over/Under: 230.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Nuggets at Lakers key injuries

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray (knee) out
PF Michael Porter Jr. (back) out

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (ankle) questionable
SF LeBron James (knee) questionable

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Nuggets at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 121, Lakers 111

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” because the Nuggets (-160) will crush the Lakers Sunday but I’m confident enough in Denver to lay the points.

The Nuggets destroy bad defenses and L.A.’s defense is ranked 20th in adjusted efficiency for the season and 29th over the past two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Denver is 21-3 straight up (SU) versus teams with bottom-10 defenses with a plus-11.1 adjusted net rating (ranked second), per CTG.

That said, I’ll bet Denver’s spread instead at a cheaper price point.

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Against the spread

BET the NUGGETS -3.5 (-108) for 1 unit because this is a profitable spot for them. Denver has the best ATS margin versus bottom-10 defenses at plus-5.8 (per CTG) and 8-4 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point favorites.

The Lakers +3.5 (-110) are 2-5 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point underdogs and 6-9-1 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record.

Denver is probably champing at the bit to put L.A.’s season on the brink. The Lakers eliminated the Nuggets in the 2020 Western Conference Finals en route to a title and Denver won’t feel sorry for L.A.’s injury woes since the Nuggets are missing two key players.

BET the NUGGETS -3.5 (-108) to put a beating on the Lakers.

Over/Under

LEAN to the OVER 230.5 (-108) because both teams have a bottom-five adjusted defensive rating in the last 14 days (per CTG), Denver is 21-16 O/U versus teams below-.500, L.A. is 18-14 O/U versus teams above-.500 and these teams have a combined 12-4 O/U record across each of their last eight games played.

However, I much prefer Denver’s spread, or even the ML, more than the total in this game.

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Denver Nuggets (43-21) are at the Staples Center for the second straight game Monday to play the Los Angeles Lakers (36-28). Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nuggets-Lakers odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

Denver has won nine of its last 10 games, including a 110-104 victory at the Los Angeles Clippers as 5.5-point dogs, but have only covered five of the previous 10 contests.

L.A.’s struggles have become the talk of the NBA as the Lakers have dropped both games since LeBron James returned to the lineup April 30.

The Lakers have dropped six of their last seven games and are just 0-6-1 ATS in those games. L.A. has slid to the postseason play-in territory as they’re 7th in the West (seeds 7-10 participate in the playoff play-in).

This is the regular-season rubber match between the two teams as they split the first two meetings with the home team winning and covering both games.

Nuggets at Lakers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nuggets -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Lakers +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread/ATS: Nuggets -5 (-110) | Lakers +5 (-110)
Over/Under: 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nuggets at Lakers: Key injuries

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray (knee) out
SG Will Barton (hamstring) out
PG Monte Morris (hamstring) out

Lakers

SF LeBron James (ankle) out
PG Dennis Schroder (health and safety protocols) out

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Nuggets at Lakers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Nuggets 118, Lakers 105

Money line (ML)

PASS despite how surprising it would be if a LeBron-and Schroder-less Lakers (+165) beat a red-hot Nuggets (-200) because Denver’s money line is just too expensive for any NBA regular-season favorite.

Furthermore, Anthony Davis has looked awful since returning from injury, but would it be shocking if he dismantled the Nuggets tonight? I’d say no.

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Against the spread (ATS)

BET the NUGGETS -5 (-110) for 1 unit because we haven’t seen a dramatic fall-off from Denver since losing Murray for the season with a torn ACL.

In fact, Nuggets wing Michael Porter Jr. has stepped up his game and is starting to justify all the hype he received when he was the No. 1 recruited player out of high school and drafted in the lottery despite limited college playing time.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the OVER 213.5 (-110) for a half unit because four of the past five Nuggets-Lakers meetings have gone Over the total as has eight of the last 10.

Also, the Lakers have been playing matador defense over the past two weeks; L.A. is 23rd in defensive rating in the last seven games, and Schroder’s absence could lead to more catch-and-shoot opportunities for the Lakers’ role players.

Even if the Lakers don’t bring much to the table offensively, the Over could still cash since the Nuggets could easily score in the mid-120s against this L.A. team that frankly looks checked out of the regular season.

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Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Los Angeles Lakers (16-6) host the Denver Nuggets (12-8) Thursday at the Staples Center in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals. The tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nuggets-Lakers NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Denver has been one of the hotter teams in the NBA winning six of their past seven games (6-1 against the spread) and four of which were on the road. The Nuggets pummeled the Utah Jazz Sunday 128-117.

The Lakers wrapped up a seven-game road trip with a 5-2 overall record (3-4 ATS) after back-to-back wins over the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Los Angeles struggled offensively ranking 22nd in offensive rating and 21st in team eFG% during its road trip.

Revenge is on Denver’s mind after losing to Los Angeles 4-1 (2-2-1 ATS) in the WCF and dropping the regular-season series 3-1 (2-2 ATS) last year.

Nuggets at Lakers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nuggets +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Lakers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Nuggets +5.5 (-115) | Lakers -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Nuggets at Lakers: Key injuries

Nuggets

SG Gary Harris (thigh) out

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (ankle) probable
SF LeBron James (ankle) probable

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Nuggets at Lakers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Nuggets 113, Lakers 107

Money line (ML)

Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic didn’t play his best basketball last season vs. the Lakers in either the regular season or postseason. But, this is a different Jokic, whose game is ascending right before our eyes. Joker is averaging a career-high in points, rebounds and assists per game, eFG%, and usage rate.

Also, the Lakers could road-weary, and they’ve struggled recently coming off of road trips. Los Angeles is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.

Plus, while it’s tough to be critical of a team that’s got the best defensive rating in the league (Lakers), but I believe C Marc Gasol, at this point in his career, is a downgrade defensively compared to Cs JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.

Furthermore, the Lakers adding PF Montrezl Harrell this offseason helps their second unit’s offense but hurts its defense. The doughy interior defense for the Lakers is 25th in opponent’s points in the paint per game, which is trouble vs. this version of Jokic and a Nuggets team that scores the fifth-most points in the paint per game.

I lean NUGGETS (+170) for a one-fifth-unit because I like them to cover.

Against the spread (ATS)

This is a Pros vs. Joes spot in the market as 70% of the money is on the Nuggets, plus points, while 57% of the bets placed are with the Lakers, according to Pregame.com.

Definitely buy the insurance for Denver’s money line by TAKING the NUGGETS +5.5 (-115) for 1.25 units. The simplest way to put this is the Lakers are the champions and bettors should probably always take the points when fading the champs.

Over/Under (O/U)

I’m rolling with Joe Public, who’s backing the Over while the sharps are hammering the Under. This total opened at 219.5 and is getting steamed down so bettors taking the Under may get a cheaper price closer to tip-off.

The Lakers scored over seven points more at Staples Center compared to away games, and there are too many Over-friendly Nuggets trends. Denver has cashed the highest percentage of Overs, has a 3-0 O/U record as a road dog with a plus-19.2-point total margin and the Over has cashed in seven of Denver’s previous eight games vs. winning teams.

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Also see:

NBA Power Rankings: Jazz overtake LeBron, Lakers for top spot (Rookie Wire)
LeBron James: Fan interaction was something that I missed (LeBron Wire)

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