Lakers vs Nuggets Friday Prediction | NBA Picks Today, Best Bets
John Canady
Host · Writer
On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers head to Colorado for a conference showdown against the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles enters this battle looking to snap its three-game losing streak while dealing with LeBron James’s absence. Meanwhile, the Nuggets look to bounce back after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. With the series tied 1-1, expect both teams to enter this battle with extra motivation to secure the win.
Lakers vs Nuggets
- Location: Ball Arena – Denver, Colorado
- Where to Watch: NBA TV
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Spread: Nuggets -13.5 | Total: 229.5
- Moneyline: Nuggets -770 | Lakers +540
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Lakers vs Nuggets Best Bet: Nuggets -13.5
The Lakers’ struggles without James have been evident over their last few games, and without the star, the team’s lack of depth has shown up in a big way. In their most recent blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 73 of LA’s 106 total points. Against a team like the Nuggets, if JJ Redick’s supporting cast puts up another similar performance like that, this game could quickly turn ugly. Until the Lakers get James back, I have no faith in taking Los Angeles, at least not against a team as experienced as Denver.
Lakers vs Nuggets Best Total Bet: Over 229.5
There’s no doubt that the Nuggets are one of the best-scoring teams in the league, as they rank No. 3 in points per game on the season with 121.1. This game could be a one-sided scoring affair, but I’ll take the chance that Denver scores enough points for this game to still hit the over, even if the Lakers struggle again. A final score of 125-108 seems like a realistic outcome.
Lakers Best Player Bet: Austin Reaves 30 Points Scored +154
Austin Reaves will be leading the charge for the shorthanded Lakers on Friday night. With both Doncic and James sidelined, the former undrafted guard will be the focal point of offense for Los Angeles against Denver. If the Lakers have any chance stealing a win on the road, Reaves will have to put together a big game, and I expect Redick and his staff to know that as well.
Nuggets Best Player Bet: Michael Porter Jr. to Score 20+ Points +150
Unlike the Lakers, the Nuggets supporting cast has been one of the best in the league over the last few seasons, especially Michael Porter Jr. The Missouri product enters this matchup, averaging 18.3 points per game, and his shooting ability gives him the chance to exceed 20+ points on any given night. If the Lakers’ struggles continue on the road, this could easily be a game where Michael Malone’s supporting cast carries most of the load for Denver. I’ll take the odds that Porter Jr. will have a strong night on Friday.
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