The Denver Nuggets begin the defence of their NBA title on Saturday night when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their NBA first round playoff series.
The defending champions finished the regular season knotted with Oklahoma City for the second-best record in the NBA, but were forced to settle for the No. 2 seed in the West after coming up short on tiebreakers against the red-hot Thunder. The Lakers were forced to earn the No. 7 seed in the West with a 110-106 win over New Orleans in NBA Play-In Tournament action, extending their current straight up to three games heading into Saturday’s clash at Ball Arena.
The Nuggets kick off their playoff schedule as 7.5-point favourites on the NBA Game 1 odds, while the total is pegged at 226.5. The Nuggets have also emerged as solid -350 chalk on the NBA series, with the odds of Denver sweeping the Lakers listed at +400.
Lakers vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Odds
The Nuggets have flipped the script on what was a lengthy run of futility when facing the Lakers. Denver has topped LA in eight straight meetings since December 2022 including a four-game sweep in last season’s Western Conference Finals that marked the first time the Nuggets had topped the Lakers in a playoff series in seven all-time postseason matchups. That dominance extended into this season, with the Nuggets taking all three regular season dates with Los Angeles while claiming victory by an average margin of 10 points. The question now is whether Denver can duplicate its sensational playoff run of a year ago, when they lost just four total games on the way to their first NBA crown, and pay out as +300 second favourites on the NBA championship odds.
As for the Lakers, they enjoyed a strong finish to their schedule, closing out on a 12-3 SU run including an 8-1 mark on the road. However, this first round matchup is hardly an ideal assignment for this club. That is reflected on the NBA series prices, where LA lags as +275 underdog and on the NBA Finals odds, where they sit well off the pace at +2500.
Los Angeles Lakers
The success of the Lakers in this first round matchup will largely hinge on the health and performance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The superstar duo has battled a myriad of nagging injuries throughout the campaign that has made each of them a fixture on game-day injury reports. That trend continues on Saturday, with King James and AD both listed as probable with ankle and back injuries, respectively. However, those ailments failed to slow them down in their march to the No. 7 seed. James piled up 28 points, 17 assists, and 11 rebounds for his second triple-double in nine games in the Lakers’ Play-In victory over the Pelicans, while Davis has averaged 33 points and 12.5 boards over his past two outings.
Denver Nuggets
One of the best teams in the NBA this season when playing on home hardwood, the Nuggets currently enjoy an impressive 20-5 SU run at Ball Arena since New Year’s Day. However, they have been far from a sure bet at home, failing to consistently meet high expectations while going 6-9 against the spread in their past 15 overall, and just 8-7 ATS during an otherwise dominant 14-1 SU run in their past 15 when favoured by seven or more at home. However, the champs are in good health and are getting solid contributions from their biggest stars. Nikola Jokic has produced seven double-doubles and two triple-doubles while averaging 29 points, 13.4 boards, and 8.8 assists over the past nine games. Kitchener, Ontario native Jamal Murray led the team in scoring in the final two games of the regular season while averaging 28 points and played a massive role in last season’s sweep of the Lakers, averaging 32.5 points and 6.3 boards in that series.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 1?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 17 Apr 1:10pm | DEN | -6.5 -115 | O +223.5 -115 |
| Closing 21 Apr 3:09am | DEN | -10.5 -105 | O +218.5 -125 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
| Points |
25.66 |
| Assists |
8.3 |
| Rebounds |
12.64 |
| FG% |
72 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
2.34 |
| Points |
26.39 |
| Assists |
8.96 |
| Rebounds |
12.35 |
| FG% |
62.4 |
| Steals |
1.37 |
| Blocks |
1.1 |
| Points |
27.8 |
| Assists |
8.8 |
| Rebounds |
15.6 |
| FG% |
63.4 |
| Steals |
2.4 |
| Blocks |
1.6 |
| Points |
28.67 |
| Assists |
8.67 |
| Rebounds |
13.42 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.42 |
| Blocks |
0.83 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
25.66 |
| Assists |
8.3 |
| Rebounds |
12.64 |
| FG% |
72 |
| Steals |
1.25 |
| Blocks |
2.34 |
| Points |
26.39 |
| Assists |
8.96 |
| Rebounds |
12.35 |
| FG% |
62.4 |
| Steals |
1.37 |
| Blocks |
1.1 |
| Points |
27.8 |
| Assists |
8.8 |
| Rebounds |
15.6 |
| FG% |
63.4 |
| Steals |
2.4 |
| Blocks |
1.6 |
| Points |
28.67 |
| Assists |
8.67 |
| Rebounds |
13.42 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.42 |
| Blocks |
0.83 |
Injuries
Cam Reddish (SF)
Cam Reddish (SF)
Gabe Vincent (SG)
Jaxson Hayes (C)
D'Angelo Russell (PG)
Taurean Prince (SF)
Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG)
Cam Reddish (SF)
Cam Reddish (SF)
Cam Reddish (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Reddish (SF) | Out Mon | Ankle - 16 / 04 / 24 | 3-2 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Reddish is hampered by a right ankle sprain, and he will not suit up against the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Cam Reddish (SF) | Prob Wed | Personal - 01 / 04 / 24 | 6-6 | 7-5 | + - |
|
Reddish was absent from the last match while tending to a personal matter, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Wednesday's showdown versus the Wizards. |
|||||
| Gabe Vincent (SG) | Prob Wed | Knee - 01 / 04 / 24 | 6-6 | 7-5 | + - |
|
Vincent missed the previous contest with a left knee injury, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Wizards on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Jaxson Hayes (C) | Prob Tues | Calf - 31 / 03 / 24 | 6-7 | 7-6 | + - |
|
Hayes missed the last game with a left calf contusion, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Tuesday's clash with the Raptors. |
|||||
| D'Angelo Russell (PG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 24 / 03 / 24 | 9-8 | 10-7 | + - |
|
Russell missed the last game ailing from an illness, but it is anticipated that he will take the court against the Bucks on Tuesday. |
|||||
| Taurean Prince (SF) | Prob Sun | Personal - 22 / 03 / 24 | 10-8 | 11-7 | + - |
|
Prince missed the last contest due to a personal matter, but it is expected that he will suit up against the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG) | Out indefinitely | Back - 21 / 03 / 24 | 10-8 | 11-7 | + - |
|
Hood-Schifino is idle after undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure, and the severity of the ailment is unknown. |
|||||
| Cam Reddish (SF) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 10 / 03 / 24 | 12-10 | 14-8 | + - |
|
Reddish has been absent the previous four games due to a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will take the floor against the 76ers on Friday. |
|||||
| Cam Reddish (SF) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 07 / 03 / 24 | 13-11 | 15-9 | + - |
|
Reddish is expected to lace up for Friday's matchup with the Bucks despite a right ankle sprain. |
|||||
| Cam Reddish (SF) | Ques Fri | Ankle - 05 / 03 / 24 | 13-12 | 16-9 | + - |
|
Reddish missed the last game nursing a right ankle sprain, and it is yet to be determined if he will take the court Friday against the Bucks. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Elbow - 18 / 05 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Murray left the last game with an elbow injury, but he is likely to be on court against the Timberwolves in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Thurs | Calf - 15 / 05 / 24 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left calf strain, and it is unknown if he will face the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Calf - 13 / 05 / 24 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left calf strain, but he is likely to be on court against the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 12 / 05 / 24 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Ques Sun | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by a left calf contusion, and it is unclear if he will be active for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Sun | Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Murray is managing a left calf strain, and it remains to be seen if he will play against the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 11 / 05 / 24 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Ques Sun | Calf - 11 / 05 / 24 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by a left calf contusion, and it is unclear if he will be active for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Sun | Calf - 11 / 05 / 24 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Murray is managing a left calf strain, and it remains to be seen if he will play against the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Fri | Abdominal - 09 / 05 / 24 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope has been bothered from right abdominal contusion, and it is likely to suit up against the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 17 Apr 1:10pm DEN -6.5 -115 O +223.5 -115 Closing 21 Apr 3:09am DEN -10.5 -105 O +218.5 -125 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
Points 25.66
Assists 8.3
Rebounds 12.64
FG% 72
Steals 1.25
Blocks 2.34
Points 26.39
Assists 8.96
Rebounds 12.35
FG% 62.4
Steals 1.37
Blocks 1.1
Points 27.8
Assists 8.8
Rebounds 15.6
FG% 63.4
Steals 2.4
Blocks 1.6
Points 28.67
Assists 8.67
Rebounds 13.42
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.42
Blocks 0.83
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 25.66
Assists 8.3
Rebounds 12.64
FG% 72
Steals 1.25
Blocks 2.34
Points 26.39
Assists 8.96
Rebounds 12.35
FG% 62.4
Steals 1.37
Blocks 1.1
Points 27.8
Assists 8.8
Rebounds 15.6
FG% 63.4
Steals 2.4
Blocks 1.6
Points 28.67
Assists 8.67
Rebounds 13.42
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.42
Blocks 0.83
-
Injuries
Cam Reddish (SF)
Out Mon Ankle - 16 / 04 / 24Cam Reddish (SF)
Prob Wed Personal - 01 / 04 / 24Gabe Vincent (SG)
Prob Wed Knee - 01 / 04 / 24Jaxson Hayes (C)
Prob Tues Calf - 31 / 03 / 24D'Angelo Russell (PG)
Prob Tues Illness - 24 / 03 / 24Taurean Prince (SF)
Prob Sun Personal - 22 / 03 / 24Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG)
Out indefinitely Back - 21 / 03 / 24Cam Reddish (SF)
Prob Fri Ankle - 10 / 03 / 24Cam Reddish (SF)
Prob Fri Ankle - 07 / 03 / 24Cam Reddish (SF)
Ques Fri Ankle - 05 / 03 / 24Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Elbow - 18 / 05 / 24Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Thurs Calf - 15 / 05 / 24Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Calf - 13 / 05 / 24Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 12 / 05 / 24Reggie Jackson (PG)
Ques Sun Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Sun Calf - 12 / 05 / 24Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 11 / 05 / 24Reggie Jackson (PG)
Ques Sun Calf - 11 / 05 / 24Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Sun Calf - 11 / 05 / 24Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Fri Abdominal - 09 / 05 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Cam Reddish (SF) Out Mon Ankle - 16 / 04 / 24 3-2 2-3 + - Reddish is hampered by a right ankle sprain, and he will not suit up against the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round.
Cam Reddish (SF) Prob Wed Personal - 01 / 04 / 24 6-6 7-5 + - Reddish was absent from the last match while tending to a personal matter, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Wednesday's showdown versus the Wizards.
Gabe Vincent (SG) Prob Wed Knee - 01 / 04 / 24 6-6 7-5 + - Vincent missed the previous contest with a left knee injury, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Wizards on Wednesday.
Jaxson Hayes (C) Prob Tues Calf - 31 / 03 / 24 6-7 7-6 + - Hayes missed the last game with a left calf contusion, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Tuesday's clash with the Raptors.
D'Angelo Russell (PG) Prob Tues Illness - 24 / 03 / 24 9-8 10-7 + - Russell missed the last game ailing from an illness, but it is anticipated that he will take the court against the Bucks on Tuesday.
Taurean Prince (SF) Prob Sun Personal - 22 / 03 / 24 10-8 11-7 + - Prince missed the last contest due to a personal matter, but it is expected that he will suit up against the Pacers on Sunday.
Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG) Out indefinitely Back - 21 / 03 / 24 10-8 11-7 + - Hood-Schifino is idle after undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure, and the severity of the ailment is unknown.
Cam Reddish (SF) Prob Fri Ankle - 10 / 03 / 24 12-10 14-8 + - Reddish has been absent the previous four games due to a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will take the floor against the 76ers on Friday.
Cam Reddish (SF) Prob Fri Ankle - 07 / 03 / 24 13-11 15-9 + - Reddish is expected to lace up for Friday's matchup with the Bucks despite a right ankle sprain.
Cam Reddish (SF) Ques Fri Ankle - 05 / 03 / 24 13-12 16-9 + - Reddish missed the last game nursing a right ankle sprain, and it is yet to be determined if he will take the court Friday against the Bucks.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Elbow - 18 / 05 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Murray left the last game with an elbow injury, but he is likely to be on court against the Timberwolves in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Thurs Calf - 15 / 05 / 24 2-1 2-1 + - Murray is dealing with a left calf strain, and it is unknown if he will face the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Calf - 13 / 05 / 24 2-1 2-1 + - Murray is dealing with a left calf strain, but he is likely to be on court against the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 12 / 05 / 24 3-1 3-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Ques Sun Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 3-1 3-1 + - Jackson is hampered by a left calf contusion, and it is unclear if he will be active for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Sun Calf - 12 / 05 / 24 3-1 3-1 + - Murray is managing a left calf strain, and it remains to be seen if he will play against the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 11 / 05 / 24 3-2 3-2 + - Caldwell-Pope is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Ques Sun Calf - 11 / 05 / 24 3-2 3-2 + - Jackson is hampered by a left calf contusion, and it is unclear if he will be active for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Sun Calf - 11 / 05 / 24 3-2 3-2 + - Murray is managing a left calf strain, and it remains to be seen if he will play against the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Fri Abdominal - 09 / 05 / 24 3-2 3-2 + - Caldwell-Pope has been bothered from right abdominal contusion, and it is likely to suit up against the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.