Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction and Odds: Doncic Coming Off Scoring 45 in a Loss

The shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic, enter the second leg of a back-to-back against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets! For new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!

For the best NBA game previews, WSN has you covered with betting picks and tips every day throughout the 2024-25 NBA season! New sports bettors supporting their hometown Denver Nuggets can take advantage of the top Colorado sportsbook promos and bonuses before their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers tips off!

The Los Angeles Lakers were hot after the midseason break but are currently on a three-game losing streak despite some heroic efforts from starman Luka Doncic. The Denver Nuggets enter this game off a loss, splitting their last ten games, with Nikola Jokic still putting in MVP-level performances. The game tips off at 9:30 PM EST at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Let’s check out the bets for the Lakers vs. Nuggets game and look at our NBA Player Props and Best Bets article for Thursday, March 14.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Head over to FanDuel and place your bets on the Lakers vs. Nuggets match: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

If you have questions or require further insights, check out our expert review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Pick

• My Pick: Spread - Los Angeles Lakers +14.5 (-112) at FanDuel

The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets have traded 20-point blowouts with each other this season and will face off for the third time on Friday night. The Los Angeles Lakers are missing their leading man in LeBron James, despite Luka Doncic stepping up to the plate over their recent three-game losing streak. Expect a more competitive game than the Lakers’ recent 23-point blowout loss, but Denver has the edge given their improved health, offensive quality, and rest time against Los Angeles on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers have been excellent since returning from the All-Star break, but they’re suffering their worst run of form since the season restart. Coming off three straight losses, the Lakers will try to get back in the win column against a Denver Nuggets team they blew out in their most recent meeting.

The Lakers have been one of the better offensive teams this season, averaging 112.9 points per game (18th of 30) on 48.0% from the field (8th of 30) while converting 18.3 free throws per contest (3rd of 30). Defending has been their calling card this season, holding teams to 111.1 points per game (8th of 30) on 45.9% from the field (8th of 30) and 34.8% from three. They blew out the Nuggets by 23 points in their last meeting, shooting 50.0% while hitting 16 threes on the night.

Through 64 regular season games, the Los Angeles Lakers have posted a 35-28-1 ATS Record, good enough to rank ninth in the NBA. They have a 55.6% cover percentage, a +1.4 margin of victory, and a -0.3 ATS +/- this season. 

With LeBron James out with injury, keep an eye out for Luka Doncic, who is giving Lakers fans a preview of their future with him at the helm. He’s done his best through the Lakers’ recent three-game losing streak, putting up 33.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 threes per contest on 44.2% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Denver Nuggets Preview

The Denver Nuggets remain in the top three of the Western Conference, tied for the second seed with the Memphis Grizzlies. They can improve their hold on the second seed when they take on the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night!

With Nikola Jokic in the lead, the Denver Nuggets are among the best offensive teams in the NBA. They average 121.1 points per game (3rd of 30) and 31.0 assists (1st of 30), shooting 50.7% from the field (1st of 30) and 38.2% from three-point range (3rd of 30). Unfortunately, they’ve struggled defensively, allowing 116.6 points per contest (24th of 30) and 14.0 threes per contest (24th of 30).

Through 67 regular-season games, the Denver Nuggets have posted a 32-33-2 ATS Record, ranking them 15th in the NBA. They have a 49.2% cover percentage, a +4.5 margin of victory, and a +0.6 ATS +/- this season.

Nikola Jokic has been in excellent form for the Nuggets over their last five games, averaging 30.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 10.0 assists, and 2.6 threes per game on 56.1% from the field and 56.5% from three-point range. Jokic was relatively quiet in his last game against the Lakers, putting up 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 rebounds in a February 22 loss.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Report

• Los Angeles Lakers - (F) LeBron James - Out (Groin) - James has been ruled out of the Lakers’ Friday matchup against the Nuggets.

• Los Angeles Lakers - (C) Jaxson Hayes - Out (Knee) - Hayes has been ruled out of the Lakers’ Friday matchup against the Nuggets.

• Los Angeles Lakers - (F) Rui Hachimura - Out (Knee) - Hachimura returned to Los Angeles and was ruled day-to-day ahead of the Lakers’ Friday matchup against the Nuggets.

• Los Angeles Lakers - (C) Maxi Kleber - Out (Foot) - Kleber underwent surgery to repair his right foot and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.

• Denver Nuggets - (F) Aaron Gordon - Game Time Decision (Calf) -  Gordon is questionable for Denver’s March 14 game against the Lakers.

• Denver Nuggets - (C) Nikola Jokic - Game Time Decision (Elbow/Ankle) - Jokic is probable for Denver’s March 14 game against the Lakers.

• Denver Nuggets - (G) Jamal Murray - Game Time Decision (Knee) - Murray is probable for Denver’s March 14 game against the Lakers.

• Denver Nuggets - (C) Zeke Nnaji - Game Time Decision (Ankle) - Nnaji is probable for Denver’s March 14 game against the Lakers.

• Denver Nuggets - (F) Julian Strawther - Out (Knee) - Strawther sustained a left knee strain during a March 2 loss to the Celtics and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

• Denver Nuggets - (C) DaRon Holmes - Out for Season (Achilles) - Holmes has returned to practice with the Nuggets but is not expected to return this season.

How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

• Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

• Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

• Date: 9:30 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025

• TV:  NBA TV