The Los Angeles Lakers (30-36) go head-to-head with the Denver Nuggets (37-30) at Staples Center. The game can be seen on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 232.5 points with Denver opening as a 2-point favorite.
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
In the Nuggets’ last contest, they blew out the Sacramento Kings, 130-104. Denver’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Sacramento. The Nuggets had a rate of 20.5 (below their season average of 26.0), while the Kings posted a mark of 14.0 (below their season average of 21.7). Nikola Jokic played a huge role in the victory for Denver, registering 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his sixth triple-double this season.
The Lakers were victorious over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 127-113. Los Angeles out-rebounded Cleveland. The Lakers had 14 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had seven and 37, respectively. Julius Randle was the game’s high scorer with 36 points on 14-for-18 shooting.
Getting to the line could be scarce for Los Angeles in this meeting. The Lakers currently rank 23rd in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.181, while Denver ranks fourth in FTA rate allowed (0.175).
Denver heads into the game with records of 37-30 straight up (SU) and 31-33-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Nuggets’ 67 games, 34 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 30-36 SU and 36-30 ATS. Of the Lakers’ 66 games, 37 have finished over the total.
Several players have played well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Randle has led the way, averaging 20.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Brook Lopez (18.8 points) and Isaiah Thomas (18.4 points and 6.6 assists) have also been excellent.
The Nuggets lead the season series against the Lakers two games to one, including a nine-point victory the last time these teams met. Denver covered as an 8-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 241 points, which was 10 points above the projected point total of 231 points. The Nuggets knocked down 26 of their 30 free throws (86.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 13.2). In the loss, Lopez led all scorers with 29 points.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Denver is 12-17-2 ATS with 16 overs and 15 unders.
At home, Los Angeles is 18-14 ATS with 17 overs and 15 unders.
Denver is 13-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 11-3.
The Lakers are 27-23 when they reach 100 points, while the Nuggets are 31-21.
Denver ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (13.6).
The Nuggets rank fourth in points in the paint per game (49.5) while the Lakers rank 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.7).
Denver ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.0) while Los Angeles ranks 24th (44.8).
The Lakers average 24.0 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Nuggets rank 25th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
Denver averages 17.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.7).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.2) while the Nuggets rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (12.3).
Denver ranks 15th in blocks allowed per game (4.8) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (5.6).
The Lakers average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Nuggets rank 21st in steals allowed per game (8.1).
Denver ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while Los Angeles ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Denver is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Nuggets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 114.0 points per game (5.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
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