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Two teams which are going in different directions will square off Sunday night at Staples Center, as the Lakers will try to bounce back after an ugly loss against Phoenix last time out.
The Lakers (6-10, 4-5 home) were embarrassed a couple of nights ago at home by a poor Phoenix side (113-122), marking their 5th lost in the last 6 games. LA is in a bit of a crisis right now, as they had higher expectations from this season, although those expectations were unreasonable. All in all, the Lakers are playing some of the worst basketball in the NBA right now.
Denver (9-6, 2-4 away) has been in great shape recently, winning 5 of the last 7 games, with the two defeats coming against the Warriors and against the Blazers (in Portland), both very difficult matches which Denver was expected to lose. The Nuggets played some of their best basketball of the season in their last outing a couple of nights ago, putting 146 points past the Pelicans in a 32 point blowout.
Bet on Lakers vs. Nuggets and claim your 100% (100 Euro) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: There are no new injuries for either team. Lakers continue to miss Nance Jr, while the Nuggets have listed backup center Mason Plumlee as probable, and they will keep missing rookie Lydon.
The Nuggets are looking good in this start of the season, and they are on track to reach the playoffs, which was and is their main objective. However, they will want to improve their road performances, as much of their recent success was due to their strength at home. Facing the Lakers will be a great opportunity to nick their 3rd road win in 7 games.
Lakers’ defensive lapses might cost them here, as the Nuggets are a great offensive team, pushing the tempo and always putting pressure on the opponents defense.
The Lakers could also struggle to contain Nikola Jokic in the post. The last time they faced a superstar young center was 4 nights ago against Philadelphia, when Embiid finished with 46 points, 15 rebouds, 7 assists and 7 blocks for the Sixers. Jokic is a similarly talented player, he already had a 40 point game this season, and he could be prone to another big night against this Lakers defense.
Home court advantage will be important for LA, but they are playing poorly, while Denver is a better, more in form team. Having Jokic in their ranks should be the difference making factor for the Nuggets.
My tip will be Denver to win. I would have backed them to cover a 2.5 or 3 point handicap, but at the current 4.5 point spread line, I prefer to go with a safer bet and back the straight victory. I do not necessarily expect a blowout, since the Lakers have been reasonably competitive in their losses at home. That`s not to say there`s no value on Denver, because I would have set the point spread even higher, but I prefer to play it safe in this particular case.
I reckon an 8 unit stake is a reasonable investment here according to my match analysis. Prediction: LA Lakers – Denver Nuggets 109 – 117.
Pick: Nuggets
Odds: 1.56 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.48
Event date: 20 November
