Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 2)
The Denver Nuggets (41-19) will visit the Los Angeles Lakers (33-28) on Saturday, March 2nd at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
The Lakers come in as slight 1.5-point favorites according to most sportsbooks. Some betting apps such as Bet365 now have the Nuggets favored. The over/under is set at 228.5 total points.
Let’s get into our Nuggets vs Lakers prediction, as we break down the odds and provide player prop picks.
Nuggets vs Lakers Odds
In the Nuggets vs Lakers odds, Denver is a +1.5 spread underdog at BetMGM. The moneyline is even for both teams at -110, meaning they each have 50% implied win probability.
Odds as of March 2nd, 2024 at BetMGM. If you’re looking to bet Denver, you’ll want to do it sooner rather than later. Some sharp sportsbooks now have the Nuggets favored. Claim the BetMGM promo code to make your wager. If located in NC, visit BetMGM North Carolina for a limited pre-reg offer.
Nuggets vs Lakers History
The Nuggets have dominated the Lakers in recent years, winning seven consecutive matchups dating back to the 2020 playoffs when Denver swept LA out of the bubble. The Nuggets are 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings as well.
DEN-LA Recent Results
If you’re looking to bet on the Denver vs LA over/under, consider that the total has gone under in 14 of Denver’s last 18 games. It’s also cashed in four of the past five meetings between these two powerhouses.
Nuggets Are Streaking
The Nuggets are currently riding a five-game winning streak, including back-to-back wins over the Kings, Heat, Warriors, Mavericks, and Timberwolves. Their defense has been stellar during this stretch, holding opponents under 100 points in the last two games.
Nikola Jokic continues to dominate with four straight triple-doubles before that streak ended last game. Jamal Murray suffered a sprained ankle last game and is questionable to play against the Lakers.
With this recent stretch, Jokic (25.8 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 9.3 apg) has solidified himself as the frontrunner for a 3rd straight MVP award in the NBA MVP odds. Michael Porter Jr. (16.1 ppg) and Aaron Gordon (13.9 ppg) round out Denver’s Big 3.
With Jamal Murray’s ankle in doubt, the Nuggets will need Michael Porter Jr. to continue his hot streak – he’s averaging 27.2 points on 55% shooting over the last five games.
The Nuggets own the NBA’s 4th best net rating (+5.9) and have played like true championship contenders despite rarely getting talked about. They take care of business quietly, content to let their play do the talking. Denver is 25-9 against the spread this season, including 13-4 ATS on the road.
Lakers’ Lebron Seeking Milestone
The Lakers have rallied to win nine of their last 12 games to get back into the playoff picture out West. They are coming off dramatic back-to-back wins over the Clippers and Wizards, showing some clutch late-game execution.
LeBron James has spearheaded this resurgence, including erupting for 19 points in the 4th quarter of a comeback win over the Clippers after facing a 21-point deficit. At 39 years old, James is about to reach an unprecedented milestone, sitting just 9 points away from 40,000 career points.
For the Lakers, no player has been more consistent lately than Anthony Davis. He has scored 40+ points three separate times in the past month, erupting for 55 points against Washington on February 26th. Davis leads LA in points (25.1 ppg), rebounds (12.3 rpg) and blocks (2.4 bpg). His chemistry with LeBron in the pick-and-roll will be vital to counter Denver’s slow-paced style.
Denver vs Lakers Player Props
NBA player props are available for the Nuggets vs Lakers showdown with sportsbooks offering odds for stars Niloa Jokic, LeBron James and more. On his special night, James is projected to record 25.5 points, with the -125 juice favoring the “over.”
NBA player props from a variety of top-rated sports betting apps as of Mar. 2.
If you like the Lakers to win on Saturday night, it’s likely due to the expectation of a monster night from LeBron James. Caesars Sportsbooks might have the best value for this outcome, as they are offering a bet boost of the Lakers to win & LeBron James to record over 24.5 points at +200 odds. Bet it here .
With the focus on James tonight, we’re targeting the Nuggets in the NBA player props, most specifically Jokic. ‘Joker’ has averaged 28.4 points per game in his last five matchups against the Lakers in LA, and FanDuel has his prop for Saturday as low as 26.5 (best value).
Nuggets vs Lakers Prediction
Based on recent head-to-head trends, the Nuggets match up extremely well against the Lakers. Their slow pace and defensive versatility stifles LA’s stars. During their seven-game win streak over the Lakers, Denver has held them to just 106 points per game on 43% shooting.
With LeBron chasing history on the verge of 40,000 points, the Lakers could be distracted or emotionally drained after two straight dramatic wins. The Nuggets meanwhile are focused and ready to make another championship run behind Nikola Jokic.
I’m taking the defending champs catching point and a half on the road. The Nuggets are clearly the superior team right now, playing championship-caliber basketball behind MVP frontrunner Jokic. The Lakers remain inconsistent despite James defying age. Expect Denver’s defense to fluster LA’s stars down the stretch to cover this small spread.
DEN-LA Pick:
Editors note: Denver is no longer available as a spread underdog as of 3:30 pm ET. Our best pick on this game is Nuggets to win outright on the moneyline (play up to -120).
