Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Odds, Picks, Prediction (May 3, 2021)

The Denver Nuggets just keep climbing the standings in the Western Conference as the Lakers are in danger of falling into the play-in tournament. LeBron James once championed the idea of a play-in tournament, but now he hates the idea of it altogether.

Let’s take a deep dive into the different markets out there for Colorado sports bettors in our Nuggets vs. Lakers betting preview, complete with the best odds, picks, and predictions.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Preview

The Nuggets have put to bed any concerns over how they would react to Jamal Murray’s injury. They are on a five-game winning streak as they look to sweep the Los Angeles teams in the STAPLES Center.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are trying to find their rhythm after LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed significant time due to injuries. It’s tough to rule out the Lakers long-term, but they have not been playing their best basketball lately. They are 0-2 since LeBron returned from injury.

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Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds

Game lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado:

• Spread: Nuggets -3.5 (-112) // Lakers +3.5 (-109)
• Moneyline: Nuggets -162 // Lakers +135
• Total: Over 215 (-113) // Under 215 (-108)

Bets We Like With A Nuggets Win

Nuggets Over 55.5 First Half Points (-117)

Even without Murray, the Nuggets can score on anybody in the NBA. The Lakers have one of the strongest defenses in the league, but they are still trying to put the pieces together as the end of the year approaches. They have allowed 72 points and 55 points to the Raptors and Kings in the first halves of their last two games.

During this five-game winning streak, the Nuggets have scored at least 56 points four times. Again, the Lakers have the top-ranked defense in the NBA, but they are not operating at full speed right now.

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Bets We Like With A Lakers Win

Lakers Win Race To 50 Points (+110)

Let’s go with something outside the box for this Lakers prop. Take the Lakers to win the race to 50 points if you think they are going to win this game. They will have a tough time making a late comeback against the plodding Nuggets, but if they have a lead at or around halftime, they will have a good chance at winning this game.

LeBron and Davis might not be playing their best basketball since returning to the court, but it’s tough to bet against those two in a close game in the fourth quarter.

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Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction, Pick

As difficult as it is to bet against LeBron and the Lakers here, that’s exactly what we are going to do. Seeing the fully-charged Lakers as home underdogs is a rare occurrence, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise given Denver’s superb play post-All-Star break. Look for the Nuggets to make this a six-game winning streak with a win on Monday. Take the Nuggets laying the points.

Pick: Nuggets -3.5