Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Denver Nuggets are 6.5-point favorites in Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena on Saturday, starting at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The point total in the matchup is set at 227.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds

  • Nuggets odds to win: -258
  • Lakers odds to win: +210
  • Spread: Nuggets (-6.5)
  • Total: 227
  • How to Bet on Nuggets vs. Lakers

    DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150

    Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly + A No Sweat SGP Everyday This Season

    Pros:
    • Weekly Profit Boosts on Multiple Sports
    • Flawless Mobile Apps
    Bet Now Our Review
    Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WY or WV. Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in WY). Gambling Provlem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

    Game Time and Information

  • When: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET
  • Where: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
  • TV: ABC
  • Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Lakers?

    Nuggets and Lakers Betting Trends, Records Against the Spread

    The Nuggets have a 20-19-1 record against the spread this season when favored by 6.5 points or more.

    In games this year in which they were an underdog by 6.5 points or more, the Lakers have a 3-1 record against the spread.

    The Nuggets and Lakers average 5.9 more points between them than the total of 227 for this game.

    Opponents of these two teams have averaged a combined 227 points per game, which equals the point total for this game.

    The average point total in Nuggets games this season is 2.5 fewer points than the over/under of 227 in this matchup.

    The average total in Los Angeles’ games this year is 8.5 more points than the point total of 227 in this outing.

    Denver is 38-42-2 against the spread this season.

    The Lakers’ ATS record is 38-44-0 this season.

    Nuggets Stats & Insights

    The Nuggets have a +431 scoring differential, topping opponents by 5.3 points per game. They’re putting up 114.9 points per game to rank 14th in the league and are allowing 109.6 per contest to rank sixth in the NBA.

    The Nuggets are seventh in the league at 44.4 rebounds per game. That’s 2.1 more than the 42.3 their opponents average.

    Denver makes 11.7 three-pointers per game (25th in the league) compared to its opponents’ 11.2. It shoots 37.4% from deep while its opponents hit 35.5% from long range.

    The Nuggets record 119.4 points per 100 possessions (fifth in the league), while allowing 113.9 points per 100 possessions (eighth in the NBA).

    The Nuggets’ offense has been much better at home (118.5 PPG) compared to their play on the road (111.2 PPG). Similarly, their defense has been better at home (108.7 PPG allowed) when compared to their play on the road (110.5 PPG allowed).

    Lakers Stats & Insights

    The Lakers have a +49 scoring differential, putting up 118.0 points per game (sixth in league) and allowing 117.4 (23rd in NBA).

    Los Angeles ranks 18th in the NBA at 43.1 rebounds per game. That’s similar to the 44.0 its opponents average.

    The Lakers hit 11.8 three-pointers per game (24th in the league), 2.5 fewer than their opponents. They are shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc (eighth-best in NBA) and opponents are shooting 37.6%.

    The Lakers’ 116.7 points per 100 possessions on offense rank 15th in the NBA, and the 116.1 points they concede per 100 possessions rank 16th in the league.

    At home, Los Angeles averages 119.0 points per game. On the road, it averages 117.0.

    Nuggets Key Players to Watch

    The Nuggets get 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists from Nikola Jokic.

    The Nuggets get 2.7 three-pointers per game out of Michael Porter Jr..

    Jokic averages 1.4 steals per game, while Peyton Watson swats 1.1 shots per contest.

    Lakers Key Players to Watch

    Anthony Davis has the top Lakers spot in two categories among active players: scoring (24.7 points per game) and rebounding (12.6 rebounds per game). He also has 3.5 assists per contest.

    LeBron James’ per-game averages this season are 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds.

    D’Angelo Russell knocks down 3.0 threes per game.

    Davis’ 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game are important to the Lakers’ defensive production.

    Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction

  • Pick ATS: Nuggets (- 6.5)
  • Pick OU:

    Over (227)

  • Prediction:
    Nuggets 119 – Lakers 111
  • Nuggets vs. Lakers Promo Codes

    Product Image Product Name / Primary Rating Primary Button
    Bet $5, Get $150
    $1,500 First Bet Offer
    BET $5 GET $200 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY
    $1,000 First Bet Offer
    $1,500 First Bet Offer
    BET $5 GET $200 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY

    written by

    Data Skrive's mission is to create sports articles about every player, on every team, in every league, for every game, for every fan. Data Skrive is an end-to-end fan engagement solution that creates and distributes compelling and entertaining sports content at scale. We leverage sports and marketing experts, machine learning, and proprietary language graphs to generate sports articles, graphics, animations, and social content. Trusted by the world’s leading media, sports, and betting brands, Data Skrive’s Fan Engagement Solution delivers one-of-a-kind experiences to Bleacher Nation's audience trying to reach fans through the creation of sports content that sports fans value.

    more nba-picks news

    76ers vs. Knicks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 6 – Thursday, May 2, 2024

    The New York Knicks are slight 3-point underdogs for a decisive Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, tipping off at 9:00 PM ET on TNT. The...

    Pacers vs. Bucks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 6 – Thursday, May 2, 2024

    The Indiana Pacers are 8-point favorites in a decisive Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday, tipping off at 6:30 PM ET on TNT. The Pacers have a...

    Celtics vs. Heat Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

    The Boston Celtics are double-digit 14-point favorites heading into a decisive Game 5 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on Wednesday, starting at 7:30 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics hold...

    Mavericks vs. Clippers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks are slight 3-point favorites in Game 5 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, beginning at 10:00 PM ET on TNT. The series is tied 2-2....

    Knicks vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Tuesday, April 30, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers are 4.5-point underdogs in a decisive Game 5 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The Knicks are...

    Cavaliers vs. Magic Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Tuesday, April 30, 2024

    The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic take the court in Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Cavaliers are favored by 5.5 points in the contest, which airs on NBA at 8:00 PM ET. The...

    Pacers vs. Bucks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Tuesday, April 30, 2024

    The Indiana Pacers take a 3-1 series lead into a decisive Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Pacers are favored by 4 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The...

    Celtics vs. Heat Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 4 – Monday, April 29, 2024

    The Miami Heat are big 10.5-point underdogs heading into Game 4 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena on Monday, beginning at 7:30 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics are on top...

    Thunder vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 4 – Monday, April 29, 2024

    The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-point underdogs heading into a decisive Game 4 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center on Monday, beginning at 8:30 PM ET on NBA. The...

    Nuggets vs. Lakers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Monday, April 29, 2024

    The Denver Nuggets are 6.5-point favorites heading into a decisive Game 5 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena on Monday, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET on TNT. The Nuggets...

    Latest News

    Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series May 3-5: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the first of a three-game series, on Friday, May 3 at 2:20 PM ET, the Chicago Cubs are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.Cubs vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cubs Time: Friday, May 3 at 2:20 PM ET Cubs Starting...

    New Orleans Saints 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Drinking the Kool-Aid in New Orleans

    The New Orleans Saints haven't been shy about their desire for long-term success. With a veteran core still performing at a high level and a shrewd GM in Mickey Loomis at the helm, the 2024 NFL Draft presented an opportunity...

    New England Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Replacing Tom Brady: Take Two

    The 2024 NFL Draft marked a turning point for the New England Patriots. After two decades under the iron fist of Bill Belichick, the team entered a new era with Jerod Mayo at the helm. With a glaring need at...

    An Interesting Offseason Rests Ahead for Patrick Williams and the Bulls

    Patrick Williams' Basketball-Reference page isn't what the Chicago Bulls would like. The 22-year-old forward has averaged nearly identical numbers each season of his career. Even more frustrating, two of those seasons were cut short by differing surgeries. While Coby White...

    Enhanced Box Score: Mets 7, Cubs 6 – May 2, 2024

    I wonder what this team could have been with a real closer. Probably won't find out until the end of July. And that's if we're lucky. Through his first four frames tonight, Ben Brown kept the Mets scoreless and hitless....

    Christopher Morel with a Towering 3-Run Homer

    Well, we've been saying it all week, and it continues to prove true: Chris Morel is clearly breaking out of slump - slowly, but surely. And today's 3-run homer is just the latest positive sign. Check it out: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1786099502245372166 That...

    Los Angeles Rams 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Seeking Defensive Pressure with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske

    The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2024 NFL Draft in an unfamiliar situation. They had a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They surprisingly made the playoffs last year...

    Yannick Ngakoue is Getting Healthy — Should the Chicago Bears Bring Him Back?

    The last time we were thinking about Yannick Ngakoue was in mid-December when a broken ankle took him out for the final stretch of games of the 2023 regular season. Five months later, here we are with Ngakoue sharing an...

    Donte DiVincenzo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 6, Thursday, May 2, 2024

    The New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers at 9:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer props available for this clash requires three treys from Donte...

    Jalen Brunson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 6, Thursday, May 2, 2024

    On Thursday at 9:00 PM ET, the New York Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Jalen Brunson's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires three triples.Jalen Brunson's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

    more nba-picks news