Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction and Odds (Will Denver Pursue No. 5 Seed in West?)

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped their losing streak with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game, but they have nothing to play for on Sunday when they take on the Denver Nuggets. 

The Nuggets are in the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference, but they could move into the No. 5 spot with a win and a loss by the Utah Jazz, who have really been struggling as of late, going 3-7 in their last 10 games. 

Denver has listed several players on the injury report as questionable, but is there value on the team if they play? 

Here are the odds for this game via WynnBET: 

Lakers vs. Nuggets Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Lakers +10 (-108)
• Nuggets -10 (-108)

Moneyline:

• Lakers: +350
• Nuggets: -450

Total:

• 228.5 (Over -108/Under -108)

Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick

This game is going to come down to who is active for Denver, as the Nuggets may be content staying in the No. 6 spot and giving MVP candidate Nikola Jokic a much-needed day off on Sunday. 

I think the OVER may be the play in this game regardless, as both of these teams have played high-scoring games as of late. Los Angeles has cleared this number in five of its last seven while the Nuggets have done the same in three of their last four. 

If Jokic sits, it certainly hurts Denver’s offense, but the Lakers are 26th in the league in defensive rating over their last 10 games. 

I don’t mind Denver to cover if Jokic and Aaron Gordon play, but for now I’ll lean with the OVER. 

Lean: OVER 228.5 (-108)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.