Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Preview (February 4th, 2021)

The Nuggets are back on track after a shaky start and they have one of their biggest tests of the season on Thursday night when they travel to Los Angeles to take on LeBron James and the Lakers.

Let’s take a look at some of the best bets for Colorado sports bettors in our Nuggets vs. Lakers betting preview, complete with the best odds, picks, and predictions.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Betting Preview

LeBron James and Nikola Jokic are two of the favorites to win MVP so far this year. Jokic was recently named Western Conference Player of the Month for January and James is having a monster year despite the fact that the Lakers were playing into October.

The Lakers and Nuggets are third and fourth in the Western Conference, respectively. After meeting in the Western Conference Finals in the bubble, we expect these two teams to be among the best in the West again this year. This will be the first meeting between the Nuggets and Lakers since the bubble.

Nuggets vs. Lakers Odds

All lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Spread: Nuggets +5 (-110) // Lakers -5 (-112)
• Moneyline: Nuggets +160 // Lakers -195
• Total: Over 216.5 (-112) // Under 216.5 (-109)

Bets We Like With A Nuggets Win

LeBron James Under 24.5 Points (-115)

This is not the most high-level analysis, but if the Nuggets can keep LeBron James in check, they will have an excellent chance at taking down the Lakers. Like we said earlier, LeBron is a bonafide MVP candidate and although he’s still doing just about everything for LA, his scoring is helping carry the Lakers.

He’s shooting over 40% from deep for the second time in his career. If Denver can make it tough on him from beyond the arc, they can hold him to under 24.5 points.

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Bets We Like With A Lakers Win

Nikola Jokic Under 23.5 Points (-106)

We’re using the same logic here with Jokic that we did for LeBron. Jokic is the engine that makes the Nuggets go and even though he is the best passing big man in the NBA, Denver has needed his scoring this year. If Anthony Davis and the Lakers can make it difficult for Jokic to score, the Nuggets offense could sputter.

And of course, if the Lakers are sending doubles at Jokic, he will be forced to move the ball to the open man. A double team with Davis as the primary defender is a scary proposition.

Grab this Jokic prop at FanDuel Colorado Sportsbook by clicking right here.

Bets We Like Regardless Of Outcome

Over 216.5 (-112)

We expect to see a lot of points out of these two teams on Thursday night. The Lakers have been off since Monday and Sunday was the last time the Nuggets played. In theory, we should see two well-rested teams come out firing early and often.

It might not be Jokic or LeBron leading the way with their scoring, but we expect both of these teams to go over 110 points and thus, hit this over with ease.

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Nuggets vs. Lakers Prediction, Pick

The Nuggets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, winning six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Lakers have hit a relatively rough patch, going 2-2 in their last four games.

The Pick: Take the Nuggets with the points.