MVP favorite Nikola Jokic has led the Nuggets to a 43-21 record, winning their last five games. The Lakers struggled without LeBron James, but he’s back in the fold and will be looking to bounce back after dropping last night’s game to the Raptors. However, the Nuggets guards have been stellar lately, and if they get hot, they could take out the Lakers tonight.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently the most scrutinized team in the NBA right now. All eyes were on LeBron James and his return from a high ankle sprain injury, and although he’s been back for two games now, the Lakers are tiptoeing precariously close to miss-the-playoffs territory. The Lakers are 3-7 in their last ten games, and after losing to the Dallas Mavericks a few nights ago, and to the Raptors last night, they’ve dropped down to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. A playoff play-in series may be in the cards for them, but a win against the Nuggets would help get them back on track. It seemed that all hope was lost after Jamal Murray tore his ACL, but the Nuggets have been super-impressive lately, winning their previous five games. Murray’s a crucial part of the Nuggets’ offense, but Michael Porter Jr. has stepped up in his absence and looks spectacular. The Lakers have a stacked team, and Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond make for an imposing frontcourt. Drummond will limit the damage Jokic can do, but if the Nuggets’ guards Porter Jr. and Facundo Campazzo get hot, I can see them winning this game. Drummond and Davis will do what they do, but Aaron Gordon should put a cap on their total output. The best NBA betting predictions say that the Lakers are capable of beating any team on any given night, so if you want to place your money on them tonight, I really can’t blame you. You’ll get better value, especially at 888sport, where they’ve got them listed at +140 money line odds. I believe that the Nuggets feel inspired by Porter Jr.’s recent play in Murray’s absence. Although Davis and Drummond are stingy rim protectors, Jokic will still score buckets and get off those impressive passes to his teammates. If you want to ride with the Nuggets, Fanduel is one of the best sites for NJ online sports betting. You’ll get money line odds for the Nuggets at -154.
The Nuggets are looking good, and the Lakers’ loss to the Raptors last night was uncharacteristic of them, even if James isn’t at 100%. They’ll step up their play against the Nuggets, but I believe that the Nuggets’ offense is flowing better at this point. Nuggets 113 Lakers 106
