In our NBA predictions for Sunday, we’re breaking down the Western Conference clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, to find out the best Nuggets vs Lakers betting pick and odds. Both Denver and Los Angeles desperately need a victory, as they meet each other for the second time in 2021-22. They will lock horns once more in the regular-season finale.
Nuggets vs Lakers BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Code
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM Sportsbook offers a special promotion for new users. Sign up and take the first wager worth up to $1,000 completely risk-free. The new bettors can take a shot on the Nuggets vs. Lakers game or any other major sports event and get their funds reimbursed in case of a loss.
Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Pick
This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena at 3:30 PM ET on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
Why Bet The Nuggets:
✅ The Lakers have been a complete disaster in the second half of the season. Frankly, they don’t deserve a spot in the play-in tournament. Los Angeles has won only five of its previous 23 games overall, and over their previous 19 outings, the Lakers have covered the spread just six times. On the other side, the Nuggets have gone 13-7 straight up and 8-12 ATS in their last 20 contests.
✅ On paper, the Nuggets are a better offensive team than Los Angeles. Neither side has impressed on the defensive side of things, and the Lakers’ D has been a huge problem over the last ten games. During that span, the Lakers have surrendered 122.0 points per 100 possessions (28th in the NBA). They’ve recorded a minus-7 net rating, while the Nuggets have registered a plus-1.6 net rating.
Gambling Problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-Gambler 21+
✅ The Lakers’ leaky defense will have to deal with Nikola Jokic, who’s on the right track to retaining the MVP Award. Jokic has averaged 32.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists a night over his last six appearances, making 71.1% of its field goals and 83.3% of his free throws. Back in January, the Nuggets humiliated the Lakers at Ball Arena in Denver, 133-96, and The Joker posted a triple-double of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets put an end to their three-game winning streak last Friday, suffering a tough 136-130 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic posted a monster line of 38 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists, but it wasn’t enough, as the Nuggets fell apart on the defensive end. Denver allowed Minnesota to make 50.0% of its field goals and 47.5% of its 3-pointers.
Now, the Nuggets are occupying the No. 6 seed in the West. Denver is trailing fifth-seeded Utah by half a game, while seventh-seeded Minnesota is a couple of games behind the Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are on a five-game losing streak following a 114-111 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans last Friday. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis returned from injuries, combining for 61 points, 20 rebounds, and ten assists, but they also had a paltry six fourth-quarter points between them.
Los Angeles fell to the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers trail the tenth-seeded San Antonio Spurs by one game, so with five games to go, LeBron and his teammates will have to step up if they want to sneak into the play-in tournament.