Blockbuster Matchup in the First Round | Lakers vs. Nuggets | OSB
NBA Playoffs: (7)Los Angeles Lakers at (2)Denver Nuggets
By Sam Batz
When: Saturday, April 20th at 9:30 PM EST
Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Watch On: ABC/ESPN
Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
Round 1 of the NBA playoffs tips-off this weekend with a handful of exciting games from across the league. Nothing beats playoff basketball, and to learn more about every matchup, including paid picks, predictions, and props from across the NBA, visit us at OSB or follow us on Instagram, where we release free picks daily.
In this article we will focus on a must-watch series, the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Denver Nuggets. It’s a repeat of last season’s Western Conference Final, where Denver swept the Lakers 4-0, earning the Nuggets their first ever NBA Finals appearance. The Lakers are looking for redemption, but as 7-point underdogs, oddsmakers aren’t giving LA much of a chance against the reigning champs. Part of the reason Denver is so heavily favored in this series is because of home court advantage, where the Nuggets win over 80% of their games, and the other part is because Denver went undefeated (3-0) against the Lakers this season. LA has a lot to prove, and beating Denver won’t be easy, but I wouldn’t count the Lakers out just yet.
Denver is favored, and for good reason, but odds can change quickly. Stay up-to-date on the latest odds by visiting OSB, and continue reading to find our picks for Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets. We’ve included stats, scores, and betting advice that will help you navigate the odds and come out on top for Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets.
Lakers vs. Nuggets Odds
Team | Spread | Total (O/U) | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles Lakers | +7.0 (-110) | Ov 224.5 (-110) | +240 |
Denver Nuggets | -7.0 (-110) | Un 224.5 (-110) | -305 |
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Lakers vs. Nuggets Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers
- 39-44 ATS
- 19-22 ATS on the road
- 47-35-1 O/U record
- 26-15 O/U record on the road
- 15-21 as UNDERDOGS
- 10-14 as UNDERDOGS on the road
Denver Nuggets
- 38-42-2 ATS
- 21-19-1 ATS at home
- 35-46-1 O/U record
- 19-22 O/U record at home
- 53-19 as FAVORITES
- 32-8 as FAVORITES at home
Lakers vs. Nuggets Stats
Los Angeles Lakers W3 (7-3) 118.0 117.4 +0.6 49.9% 37.7% 43.1 13.4 115.4 (15th) 114.8 (17th) 28-14 (66.7%) 19-21 (47.5%) | Stat Type Streak (L10) Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Point Diff Field Goal % Three-Point % Rebounds/Game Turnovers/Game Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | Denver Nuggets W1 (6-4) 114.9 109.6 +5.3 49.6% 37.4% 44.4 11.8 117.8 (5th) 112.3 (8th) 33-8 (80.5%) 24-17 (58.5%) |
Lakers vs. Nuggets Head-to-Head History
- Regular & Post Season Games: 229 (1976-2024)
- All-time Series: Lakers: 138 wins; Nuggets: 91 wins
- Season Series: Nuggets lead 3-0
The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last season, and never slowed down, carrying that domination over into the regular season where Denver went a perfect 3-0 against LA. Including last year’s playoff, the Nuggets have won 7-straight against the Lakers. In this year’s head-to-head regular season series, Denver averaged 119 points per game while the Lakers averaged just 109 points per game. In their last 10 visits to Denver, the Lakers went 2-8, posting 5 consecutive losses to the Nuggets in Ball Arena.
Lakers vs. Nuggets Best Player Props
Nikola Jokic; Over 1.5 Threes (+118)
2x NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is not known for his long-range shooting, but he is known to be one of the most versatile players in the league. He does anything and everything for the Nuggets, which includes three-point shooting. Jokic averages 37.5% from the arc, recording 2+ 3PM in two of the three games against the Lakers this season. With LA’s Anthony Davis guarding the paint, Jokic tends to drift up top more than usual, and when the big man’s open he can make it rain. I like the over on Nikola Jokic’s O/U 1.5 Threes in Game 1.
Jamal Murray; Over 6.5 assists (+108)
Denver point guard Jamal Murray plays a vital role for the Nuggets. This season Denver went 13-10 without him, and 44-15 with him. He facilitates the offense, creating space and finding open teammates with incredible playmaking abilities. Murray averaged 6.5 assists per game, but against the Lakers he averaged 9.3 assists per game. His over on 6.5 assists is a great value at +108, as Murray will be dishing dimes all game, so hammer the over on Jamal Murray’s assist prop.
Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets are too good at home so I’m taking Denver to win the game, but at a 7-point spread I’ll take the Lakers to cover. Denver is 32-8 (80%) as home favorites, but they cover the spread in just over 50% of their home games. Whatsmore, the Lakers injury report has both Anthony Davis and Lebron James tagged, and while both are probable to play, they’re both a little banged up after a hard fought play-in game against the Pelicans last Tuesday. Taking into account the Lakers recent history in Denver (L10: 2-8), as well as their laundry list of injuries, LA will be hard pressed to upset the Nuggets. Denver matches up well with the Lakers, posting a +10 point differential in the series, and in their quest for a second straight title, the Nuggets will start off on the right foot.
Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions:
- Moneyline Pick: Denver Nuggets (-305)
If you take the Nuggets Moneyline (-305): You risk $305 to win $100, for a total payout of $405, if the Nuggets win straight up.
- ATS Pick: Los Angeles Lakers (+7.0)
If you take the Lakers to Cover the +7.0 Spread (-110): You risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Lakers win the game, or lose by less than 7 points.
- O/U Pick: Under (224.5)
If you take the Under on 224.5 total points (-110): You risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Lakers and Nuggets combine for less than 225 points.
