Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 4/22/24 – The NBA playoffs are heating up with the Denver Nuggets hosting the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 2 of their first-round series on Monday, April 22, 2024. The Nuggets, boasting a superior regular season record of 57-25, are set to battle against the 47-35 Lakers at Ball Arena in what promises to be a thrilling contest. For those looking into NBA Playoff betting predictions, this matchup is one not to miss, especially with the game being broadcasted live on TNT.
| When: | Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Longest-made shot of his SEASON, LeBron James beats the buzzer from 33 feet 👑 pic.twitter.com/Yi9Rcf1y38
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 21, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +7.5 -107 | o223 -110 | +250 |  |
| Nuggets | -7.5 -113 | u223 -110 | -300 | |
| ||||
The betting lines are still to be determined, but given both teams’ performances and historical head-to-head data, the Nuggets might come in as favorites. However, considering the unpredictability of playoff games and the Lakers’ potential for upsets, bettors should keep an eye on the odds as they solidify closer to game time.
LeBron James (SF) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
With an average of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, LeBron James, the Lakers’ tough guy at the front line, has again had a great season. At 35.3 minutes per game and 71 games overall, Lebron’s leadership and playoffs experience is a big asset, except for the fact that he has a high turnover rate of 3.5 per game that may be the team’s Achilles heel against a strong defensive team like the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic had been nothing but perfect for the Nuggets, scoring 26.4 points, grabbing 12.4 rebounds, and distributing assists for 9 per game. Jokic’s prowess in making the game his way not only in the post but also as a facilitator makes him a reckoning opponent. From his 3.0 turnovers per game and foul rate we would suggest some minor weaknesses, nonetheless, his overall effect cannot be underrated.
Next time they face off, we will receive a spectacular display of basketball skill. LeBron’s ability to drive and share the ball creates a strategic game for Jokic who will need to fight inside and defend himself well. This key rivalry could hugely determine the pace and the outcome of the match.
Exploring the Lakers’ Arsenal
To compensate for their weak season, Lakers have sparkled many great moments, particularly anything offensive. They had the highest scoring average in history, 118 points per game, and made 49.9 percent field goals. Their three-pointers, needing 11.8 makes of 31.4 attempts, will be fundamental. Nevertheless, we all know they don’t block as well as they grab the boards (34.9 per game) and they are turnover-prone (13.4 per game) which is a challenge for them against a Nuggets team that is good in all aspects
Nuggets’ Consistent Execution
It is the Nuggets who have been an example of consistency, which is seen in their almost same field goal and three-point ratios as the Lakers. They suck out only one point in the rebounding due the superiority of Jokic and also have better skills to command the ball with fewer turnovers per game. This is where their mental ability to perform under pressure comes to the forefront, seen in their 4-1 record against the spread during their past five games. This is what will be most critical in retaining home-court advantage.
Trends
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Los Angeles Lakers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Lakers are 18-22 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Lakers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 21 of Lakers’ 43 last games at home
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
Nuggets are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Denver Nuggets are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread
Nuggets are 17-23 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Nuggets’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 19 of Nuggets’ 41 last games at home
Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James SF Is probable Monday vs Denver, Ankle
Anthony Davis PF Is probable Monday vs Denver, Back
Christian Wood PF Is out indefinitely, Knee
Jarred Vanderbilt SF Is out indefinitely, Foot
Cam Reddish SG Is downgraded to OUT Monday vs Denver, Ankle
Denver Nuggets
Vlatko Cancar SF Is out indefinitely, Knee
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Picks
Given the statistical analysis and recent performances, the Nuggets seem poised to take an advantage in this matchup, especially with the support of their home crowd. Bettors should consider this when the final odds are released by premier online sportsbooks.
If you want a respectable team, why not Denver? They have been pretty consistent and noteworthy, mostly when they are at home. The ability to bet on the props such as the double-double for Jokic or high assists for LeBron can provide the future spreads with the needed value. The over on the total points of this game is another possible bet taking into account both teams’ recent stats.
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Score Prediction: Nuggets 115, Lakers 108.
