Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Tips: Denver Looks to Stay Hot in LA

Nuggets Ready to Pile on Pressure

The Denver Nuggets are just 1.5 games behind the number one seed in the West as they take their three game win streak to LA to take on the Lakers. Here’s a look at our Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Tips as we dive into how these teams match up right now.

The Lakers are coming off another devastating loss after blowing a double-digit lead in the final 3:30 of regulation at home to the Boston Celtics. It’s the second time in the past week that missed free throws from Anthony Davis resulted in the game going to OT where they again fell short.

Things have been much rosier in Denver as the Nuggets continue to show off one of the most potent offenses in the league. Their most recent win featured an NBA record 98 points in the paint as they easily picked off an undermanned Washington team.

The Nuggets have opened as 1.0-point favorites for this one, with the total set at 236.5 points across the board.

Game Information

Ham Preaches Effort from Lakers

Darvin Ham admitted it was difficult to stomach their latest loss at the hands of the Celtics, mainly because the manner in which it all unplayed is becoming all too familiar.

The Lakers again came out flat and surrendered a double-digit lead in the opening frame before overcoming a 20-point deficit to lead by double-digits themselves. Ham said that he isn’t concerning himself with missed free throws as much as he is with the NBA teams lack of focus and intensity to start games.

The Lakers have given up 30 or more points in three of their last four games and found themselves trailing in double-digits in the first half in all three of those games. They know what Denver possess offensively so a better start is paramount if they’re going to give themselves a chance in this NBA match up.

Anthony Davis will also be tasked with trying to slow Nikola Jokic, with the reigning MVP back to his best during this winning streak for the Nuggets.

Jokic Back to MVP Form

In his last three games, Jokic has averaged 35.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 10.3 assists as the Nuggets have started to perform to the offensive expectations placed upon them in the pre-season.

Matching up with AD hasn’t stopped Jokic from performing to his usual standard in the past and Denver will hope that they can again have their big man dictate possession from inside the paint in order to open up the rest of the floor.

In his two meetings with Davis and the Lakers this season Jokic has averaged 29.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists. He shot over 50% from the field in both games.

Looking at the current NBA Conference standings a loss for LA here will leave them 12th in the West. They’re currently 2.0 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th seed and are just 2.5 games ahead of the bottom-place Houston Rockets.

While coach Ham has stated that his team will work things out between now and the end of the regular season they can ill-afford to keep dropping games at home if they’re going to force their way back into playoff contention.

Looking at this one it’s tough to bet against Denver right now with how their offense is clicking. The full game total does look too high though given Ham’s messaging that his team must learn to start with defensive intensity from opening tip.

That’s all for our Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Tips. Be sure to check back if you’re planning on betting on NBA action.
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