Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds, Picks & AI Analysis (April 29, 2024)
The Los Angeles Lakers look to extend their surprising playoff run as they take on the Denver Nuggets in a do-or-die Game 5. We analyze Lakers vs Nuggets predictions, odds, and key stats to help you make informed wagers on this high-stakes matchup. Can LeBron James and the Lakers pull off another upset, or will the Nuggets reclaim control of the series on their home court?
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers defied the odds and defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-108 in their last matchup. Despite being 3.5-point underdogs, the Lakers dominated the second quarter, outscoring Denver 33-25, to secure the victory. LeBron James (30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Anthony Davis (25 points, 23 rebounds) led the charge for LA, while Nikola Jokic’s triple-double (33 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists) wasn’t enough for Denver.
Can the Lakers Make it 2 in a Row?
Tonight’s matchup presents another interesting scenario. The Lakers, with a 17-24 record as underdogs this season, will look to extend their winning streak as underdogs to 2 games. Historically, they average a 4-point underdog margin and have a scoring differential of -4 points per game.
Key Stats:
- Lakers won the last game 119-108, covering the 3.5-point spread.
- Lakers season O/U record: 49-38 (average 234.3 points per game)
- Today’s O/U line: 217 points
Nuggets Look to Regroup at Home
The Denver Nuggets, currently in second place in the Western Conference, will be eager to bounce back on their home court. They boast a strong 55-20 record as favorites this season and have been favored in 75 out of 82 games. However, they have struggled to cover the spread in their last two games as favorites, with an overall ATS record of 40-44.
Key Stats:
- Nuggets lost the last game 119-108.
- Nuggets season ATS record: 40-44 (22-20 at home)
- Nuggets home record: 35-8 (outscored opponents by +9.6 points per game)
- Today’s O/U line: 217 points (Nuggets O/U record: 35-49-2)
Game Information
| Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets |
| Location of the Game: Ball Arena, Denver |
| Date and Time: Monday, April 29th 10:00 ET |
| Reason: 2024 NBA Western Conference Play-off |
| How to watch: watchlivesports.co |
AI Predictions and Sport Betting AI Picks
These are the NBA Computer Picks for tonight’s NBA Schedule game:
| TEAM | SERIES | AI PICKS | Sport Betting AI PICKS | |||
| Lakers | 1 | 119 | 233 | SPREAD LAL+7.5 |
MONEYLINE LAL+242 |
TOTAL OVER 217 |
| Nuggets | 3 | 114 | ||||
- AI Picks: Los Angeles Lakers 119 – Denver Nuggets 114
- Sport Betting AI Picks: ATS Lakers +7.5 | ML Lakers +242 | OVER 217
Lakers vs Nuggets Predictions and Betting Odds
Next, we have the NBA odds for this NBA Matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers Game Analysis
Based on the NBA Team Stats the Los Angeles Lakers are clicking on offense, ranking 7th in the league with an average of 118 points per game. This firepower extends to the road, where they boast the 6th best scoring average (116.1 points per game). Their shooting efficiency is also a key factor – the Lakers rank 3rd in the NBA, connecting on nearly half (49%) of their field goal attempts.
According to the NBA player stats Anthony Davis has been a scoring machine lately, averaging a dominant 28.4 points and 15.6 rebounds over his last five games. He’s on fire, hitting a staggering 58.2% of his shots. LeBron James remains a force as well, averaging 26.4 points and 8.4 assists over the same stretch. For the season, James has shown improved accuracy from beyond the arc, connecting on 41% of his three-point attempts.
Defensively, the Lakers have shown signs of improvement. While they rank 23rd in the league overall (allowing 116.9 points per game), their recent efforts are encouraging. In their last five games, they’ve tightened up considerably, holding opponents to an average of just 108.2 points per contest.
One area of defensive strength has been rebounding. The Lakers rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive rebounds, effectively controlling the boards. They’ve also been effective at blocking shots, sitting at 11th in the league.
A weakness for the Lakers’ defense lies in three-point shooting. They allow opponents to connect on a concerning 14.0 three-pointers per game, ranking 28th in the NBA in opponent three-point percentage.
Injury Report (as of April 29, 2024):
- Anthony Davis (Wrist) – Probable
- LeBron James (Ankle) – Probable
- Jarred Vanderbilt (Foot) – Questionable
- Cam Reddish (Ankle) – Out
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (Back) – Out
Denver Nuggets Game Analysis
The Denver Nuggets will look to their offensive leader Nikola Jokic to continue his dominance. Jokic has been on a tear lately, averaging a monstrous 26.2 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 9 assists over his last five games. His shooting efficiency is scorching at 60.2% from the field during this stretch. Overall this season, Jokic boasts impressive averages of 26.4 points and 12.4 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. provides additional firepower, averaging 16.7 points per game overall and 20 points per game over the last five. He’s also been lights out from three-point range, connecting on 40.5% of his attempts in recent games.
As a team, the Nuggets rank 13th in the NBA in scoring offense, averaging 114.9 points per game. At home, this number improves to 10th in the league at 118 points per game. They excel in shooting efficiency, ranking 4th in the NBA by connecting on nearly half (49%) of their shots from the field.
Defense is a point of pride for Denver. They boast the 6th best defensive rating in the league, allowing only 109.5 points per game on average. At home, this dominance intensifies – the Nuggets rank 5th in the NBA, holding opponents to a mere 108.4 points per game.
A key factor in Denver’s defensive success is their ability to lock down the three-point line. Opponents shoot just 35.1% from beyond the arc against them, ranking Denver 2nd in the NBA in opponent three-point shooting percentage. Over the last five games, this defensive prowess has been even more remarkable, with opponents connecting on a meager 28.9% of their three-point attempts.
While steals aren’t their strongest suit (ranking 22nd in the NBA with 7.1 per game), the Nuggets effectively protect the rim, ranking 10th in the league with 5.6 blocked shots per game.
Injury Report (as of April 29, 2024):
According to the NBA Injury Report the Nuggets have the following players reported for today’s match:
- Reggie Jackson (Ankle) – Probable
- Jamal Murray (Calf) – Questionable
- Vlatko Cancar (Knee) – Out
Lakers vs Nuggets Predictions Head-to-Head
In a tale of two trends, recent history favors the Denver Nuggets in this matchup. They’ve dominated the Lakers in head-to-head meetings, winning 9 out of their last 10 encounters. However, the Lakers have found success against the spread lately, going 2-1 against the Nuggets in their last 3 games.
Looking at Denver’s home court specifically, things get even more interesting. The Nuggets have won 2 of their last 3 home games against the Lakers. Interestingly, the total points scored (over/under) have been fairly high in these matchups at Nuggets’ home court. In their last 3 home meetings, the over/under record is 2-1 with an average combined score of 214 points.
Overall, the last 3 meetings between these two teams have seen a mixed bag on the over/under with a record of 1-2.
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