Even with the start of March Madness, this Wednesday still features an ESPN doubleheader, and it’s safe to say that most fans will be focused on the second of those games - Nuggets vs. Lakers. Following both teams’ wins on Monday night, it’s time to break down our Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions for tonight.

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Nuggets vs. Lakers Predictions For NBA On ESPN, 3/19

The Lakers continue their stretch of six games in eight nights thanks to the LA wildfires earlier in the season, and this will also be their second game against the Nuggets in five days. Last Friday’s game was a rather close Denver win, 131-126.

Of course, the biggest storyline when it comes to Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions remains the LeBron James injury. Although it’s still a huge blow to LA’s ability to make it back-to-back wins, at least it’s a known entity. That’s unlike what we saw from Denver in their win on Monday night.

Despite the NBA’s guidelines when it comes to stars playing for nationally televised games, Denver went into Golden State heavily undermanned without arguably the biggest star - Nikola Jokic. It’s expected that he’ll be back on the court tonight, so that’s how fans should proceed when locking in their Nuggets vs. Lakers picks.

 

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Winning Without Trying

Expanding on what we just noted above, the Nuggets were able to upset the Warriors on the road on Monday night not only without Nikola Jokic, but also with Jamal Murry AND Christian Braun. Those are two players that are expected starters, and for the first two, a duo that is among the best in the entire NBA. 

We made our best bet for that game on the Nuggets money line as a slight underdog, and while it came through for us, it was admittedly before the Jokic and Murray news. It was a vintage Russell Westbrook night and an unstoppable Aaron Gordon that allowed that to cash, and now Denver is expected to be at full strength.

 

 

 

Los Angeles Lakers: Back In The Win Column

As noted, both teams are entering this matchup off of wins, but those were difficult to come by for the Lakers since the LeBron James injury. They had lost for straight entering Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, but snapped that skid with a rather convincing 16-point win.

It’s also important to note that it came when the Lakers went back to Crypto.com Arena, as they’ve now won eight straight games at home. That’s where tonight’s game will be, but on the other side of the coin, they also have the sixth-hardest schedule remaining. Given tonight is a pseudo-playoff game, this is one that bumps up that rating for sure.

 

 

 

Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Even with LA’s success at home, the LeBron James injury still leaves plenty of doubters, hence the Nuggets vs. Lakers odds at BetMGM Sportsbook you see below:

 

 

 

Nuggets vs. Lakers Best Bet: First Half Over 113.5 Points (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

Not only is this the second matchup between these teams in five days, but it’s also their third clash in less than a month. We already mentioned the close game last week, and the previous one was a blowout 123-100 win for the Lakers.

So, will we see another back-and-forth contest or a blowout for either side? Well, without LeBron James, it’s difficult to imagine LA pulling off another massive win, even at home. That has us wanting to avoid focusing on the point spread with our Nuggets vs. Lakers prediction, and these are also teams that have been polar opposites when it comes to totals.

Denver’s fifth-fastest pace of play this season has seen them be great for over bettors, while LA has been strong for under bettors. It’s also worth noting that in their previous three meetings this season, we’ve seen those games go 1-2 in favor of the under and 1-2 ATS in favor of the Lakers.

With such back-and-forth matchups, we’re going to isolate just part of the game, which would be the first half. This is where Denver’s trend of high-scoring games stays consistent, as they score the second-most points in the first half of games. While the Lakers have leaned towards unders overall, they still start strong with the ninth-highest scoring average in the first half.

Those factors combined with Denver’s allowing the fourth-most first half points is a recipe for where we’re focusing our Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions, which is a best bet on the first half over 113.5 points (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook).

 

 

 

Nuggets vs. Lakers Injury Report & Starting Lineup

Shocker - the LeBron James groin injury remains the most notable in the entire NBA. Since we’ve reiterated that enough, onto others. We got an update on LA’s Rui Hachimura that he’s advanced to 3-on-3 work, but is still expected out.

Even with so many stars missing for Denver on Monday, all are expected on the court other than the continued absence of Julian Strawther. And finally, starting lineups…

DEN Nuggets:

LA Lakers:

 

 

 

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