Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers have clinched the first seed in the Western Conference.
• The Denver Nuggets are fresh off an overtime victory over the Utah Jazz.
• Since clinching the first seed in the West, the Lakers haven’t won a game.

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Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds

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Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions and Picks

The Denver Nuggets are hot off a victory over the Western Conference rivals Utah and now look to take the fight to the Lakers. While the Lakers’ skid isn’t concerning overall, they’ve failed to succeed when Davis doesn’t make an impact. We expect a high-scoring affair and a Nuggets upset.

Picks:

Denver Nuggets def. Los Angeles Lakers +195

Over 221 -112

Point Spread +5.5 -109

How to Watch Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers

Head-to-Head: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers

Denver Need a Good Start

The Nuggets came out victorious in their last match against the Utah Jazz, but it wasn’t quite the performance that they wanted. Despite taking over in the late stages of the game, they start to put them in an early hole.

Denver has been outscored in their last two first quarters, most recently by 14 against the Jazz. It took a 26-17 fourth quarter just to bring the game level for the Nuggets, on top of a double-overtime period that was decided by a single basket.

The Nuggets are down 1-2 in the season series against the Lakers, where they’ve averaged 26 first-quarter points to LA’s just 26.3. Usually going to Jokic early, Denver will be hard-pressed to score inside with the length of McGee and Davis in the paint.

The Lakers Are in Cruise Control

The Los Angeles Lakers are a veteran team with some of the league’s best players leading them. Despite being on a three-game losing streak, the Lakers can turn up the heat whenever they want to.

Against the Denver Nuggets, they’ll likely be more interested in getting Anthony Davis back in form. Over his last three games, all losses, Davis have averaged a paltry 11.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 33.3% from the field in 31.5 minutes per game – he’s also failed to make a three-pointer.

In order for the Lakers to compete for a championship, Davis must be proactive in his scoring. While James has the ability to take over games on his own, Davis would be a complementary piece to rival some teams’ best.

Nuggets Key Player: (F) Michael Porter Jr.

Nikola ➡️ MPJ (again) pic.twitter.com/fm2rjZU87G

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 5, 2020

Talk about a surprise star of the NBA bubble and a welcome contributor for the Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. has set the NBA aflame with his scoring prowess.

The 6-10 forward came into the league with a bevy of injuries, but has emerged as one of the stars of the NBA bubble. Porter Jr. is averaging 25.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and one block and one steal per game in 36.8 minutes. He is shooting an impressive 53.7% from the field and 42.1% from three.

The rookie forward has come from nowhere to give teams another offensive option to worry about outside of the Nuggets’ usual duo of Jokic and Murray. With Barton and Harris continuing to struggle with injuries, Porter Jr.’s star looks like its only just emerging.

Lakers Key Player: (G) Danny Green

Danny Green shocking the entire Twitterverse pic.twitter.com/LZZjgx5BmI

— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) August 5, 2020

There is no better way to put it, Danny Green has been dreadful since the season restart. The two-time NBA champion is one of the league’s premier three-and-D threats, but he’s failed to find his range in the bubble.

Over his last four games Green has shot 41.4% from the field, but just 14.3% from three. Making just two of his 14 three-point attempts, Green didn’t even register a three-point attempt in the Lakers’ loss to the Rockets. Ironically, it was his best scoring output since March 1 st.

Green will always have a place on the court due to his defensive ability and versatility rebounding on both baskets. However, his effectiveness is truly felt when his distance shooting compliments his defensive efforts. Even just meeting his season average of 36.7% from three does wonder for the Lakers’ offense.