LA Lakers (40-24) at Denver (42-24)
- When: Mar 14 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: NBA TV
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Preview & Predictions
The Denver Nuggets host the struggling Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff seeding. The Lakers, who were once surging, have hit a skid without LeBron James, while Denver is eyeing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles Lakers Outlook
The Lakers (41-30) looked like serious contenders during their eight-game winning streak, but that momentum disappeared quickly after LeBron James went down with a groin strain. Since then, Los Angeles has lost three straight and will be shorthanded once again in Denver.
James, Rui Hachimura (knee), and Jaxson Hayes (knee) have been ruled out and were sent back to Los Angeles for treatment. That means Luka Doncic will have to carry the offense, and he’s certainly capable after dropping 45 points in Thursday’s loss to Milwaukee.
Key Players to Watch
Luka Doncic (G/F) – Averaging 26.1 PPG in 13 games since joining the Lakers, he’s had to step up even more with LeBron out.
Austin Reaves (G) – With 18.9 PPG, he provides secondary scoring but will need to be more efficient against Denver’s defense.
Lakers’ Defense – The key to their last win over Denver was holding Nikola Jokic to just 13 points on 2-for-7 shooting.
The Lakers stunned the Nuggets 123-100 on Feb. 22, but without James, that performance will be tough to replicate.
Denver Nuggets Outlook
The Nuggets (49-21) are chasing the No. 2 seed in the West and know that beating an injury-plagued Lakers team is essential for their positioning. Denver has won 10 of its last 13 games, and Nikola Jokic continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers.
Despite averaging a near triple-double (29.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 10.4 APG), Jokic is not the MVP favorite, with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the race. His teammates, however, firmly believe Jokic is the real MVP.
Key Players to Watch
Nikola Jokic (C) – Despite battling elbow and ankle soreness, expect him to dominate against a depleted Lakers squad.
Jamal Murray (G) – 21.4 PPG, the team’s second-leading scorer, thrives in high-paced matchups.
Michael Porter Jr. (F) – Scoring 18.3 PPG, he provides floor spacing that could exploit the Lakers’ defense.
Aaron Gordon (F) – Questionable with an ankle injury; his absence would put more pressure on Christian Braun and Peyton Watson to step up.
Denver struggled in the previous meeting against the Lakers, shooting just 40% from the field, so expect them to come out focused on redemption.
Betting Prediction & Best Bets
Denver is fully aware of how much Los Angeles struggles without LeBron James, and they’ll take full advantage of the shorthanded Lakers. Doncic will likely have another monster scoring night, but without enough help, it’s hard to see L.A. keeping this one close for 48 minutes.
🔹 Best Bet: Nuggets -13.5 – The Lakers are depleted and Denver should dominate at home.
🔹 Lean: Under 229.5 – If L.A. struggles to score, this total could go under, especially if Denver controls the pace.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
