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Free NBA betting picks, odds, predictions for the Nuggets vs. Lakers on 5/18/2023. Our best bets and top NBA picks for money lines, over/unders and more.
Welcome RotoBallers to our betting picks for the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets, another article in our weekly series of free NBA betting picks for every game on the schedule. This free NBA betting breakdown article is for Thursday, May 18th.
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Today's Betting Overview - Lakers @ Nuggets
The Lakers take on the Nuggets on Thursday, May 18th at Ball Arena, Denver. RotoBaller provides free handicapping picks and odds for all NBA games throughout the 2022-2023 season.
- Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers (43-39) vs. Denver Nuggets (53-29)
- Date: Thursday, May 18th
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Ball Arena
Today's NBA Sportsbook Odds - Lakers @ Nuggets
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Lakers & Nuggets Key Injuries
Lakers
- Anthony Davis (Probable) Foot
- LeBron James (Probable) Foot
- Mo Bamba (Out) Ankle
Nuggets
- NONE
Los Angeles Lakers - NBA Betting Analysis
In Los Angeles' most recent game, Anthony Davis led the team in scoring with 40 points, but the Lakers fell to the Nuggets by a score of 132-126 to the Nuggets. Despite the straight-up loss, Los Angeles covered the spread as they were 6.5-point underdogs going into the game.
Now, the Lakers' overall record sits at 43-39, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. The team's current record at home is 23-18 and 20-21 on the road. The Lakers have a two-game win streak against the spread and have an overall ATS mark of 49-44.
This season, the Lakers' offense has been excellent, ranking 8th in the NBA at 117.2 points per game. Los Angeles has averaged 117 points per contest over their last five games. Los Angeles has used pace to their advantage this season, averaging 101.8 possessions per game, which is the 4th most in the league. This up-tempo style has made up for a three-point field goal percentage of 34.6% (35th). In terms of getting to the free-throw line, the Lakers are 4th in the NBA in attempts while connecting at a rate of 77.5%.
Los Angeles' defense is currently ranked 19th in the league at 115.1 points allowed per game. Los Angeles is hovering around the league average despite forcing turnovers at a below-average rate of 13.5 per game. Also, the unit has struggled to clean up the defensive glass, ranking 24th in defensive rebounds per game. So far, opponents have hit 47.1% of their field goal attempts and 35.4% of their looks from deep.
Denver Nuggets - NBA Betting Analysis
After taking down the Lakers by a score of 132-126, the Nuggets are riding a three-game win streak. Nikola Jokic led the way in scoring with 34 points. Heading into their previous matchup against the Lakers, the Nuggets were favored by -6.5, giving them an ATS loss.
With the win, the team has moved to 53-29, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far this season, they have gone 34-7 at home and 19-22 on the road. This season, Denver's ATS record sits at 51-42.
The Nuggets enter as one of the top-scoring offenses in the league, with 115.8 points per game through 94 games (9th). Additionally, they have averaged 122 points per game in their last five games. Throughout the season, the Nuggets have been among the top three-point shooting teams in the league, making 37.9% of their shots from beyond the arc (3rd). Despite ranking 30th in pace with 97.9 possessions per game, their efficient three-point shooting has compensated. Their overall field goal percentage currently stands at 50.4% and is ranked 1st.
On the defensive end of the floor, the Nuggets have allowed opponents to shoot 47.1% from the field (6th) and are giving up 115.1 points per game which is 19th in the NBA. Although Denver is not strong on the defensive glass, ranking 24th in defensive rebounds per game, they do a good job forcing turnovers. So far, they have turned teams over an average of 13.8 times per game (2nd).
Today's NBA Betting Pick - Lakers vs. Nuggets
The Nuggets currently have a leg up in this year's season series against the Lakers. Across five games, the Nuggets have a record of 3-2. The last head-to-head showdown between the teams ended in a 132-126 win for the Nuggets. Denver also covered the spread as the 6.5-point favorite. The over/under line going into the game was 222.5, which they surpassed.
In the Lakers' previous five games as the favorite, they have a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 2-3 against the spread. Across their last three road games, they are 1-2 ATS and 0-3 straight up. Their previous ten games have an over/under mark of 6-4 with an average of 233 points per contest.
Across Denver's last five games at home, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight-up. As the favorite, the Nuggets are 3-0 straight up on an average scoring differential of 5 points per game. This has led to an ATS mark of 2-1. Their previous ten games have ended in an average of 231 points per game and an over/under mark of 6-4.
Recommended ATS Betting Pick: LAL +5.5
Recommended OU Betting Pick: Under 226.5
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