Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Prediction: Nuggets can run through the Lakers

The NBA season is on and we have witnessed the Golden State Warriors, the title defenders are struggling on defense but as of now, that is true for most of the league. The scoring has been higher than anticipated and there is no doubt that most defenses are having a tough time keeping it up but they will figure it out and scoring will recede as we will head deeper into the season. How will the scoring props go when the Denver Nuggets clash against a desperate Los Angeles Lakers?

The Denver Nuggets come into this game after losing 110:135 to the Portland Trail Blazers in a rather awful defensive effort. They have now given up 117 or more in each of the game and despite getting Michael Porter in the mix, the defense has struggled to keep it up. They have given up 50% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, which is surely sub-par. Their offense has been decent but they really need to sort out their defensive woes, the perimeter needs to tighten up.

Nikola Jokic has been limited in numerous ways and his scoring has gone down in big ways. His scoring is at least down by 6-10 points range and while one can point to the restored team balance in terms of scoring than before, Jamal Murray has struggled after his injury. He has shot below 40% and has scored under 13 Points a Game. Michael Porter has done his job as a scorer, going at 18 points a game and being efficient at the same time. Aaron Gordon has been impressive scoring-wise while Kentatvious Caldwell-Pope and Bones Hyland have made up for Jamal Murray’s struggles to an extent.

The Lakers are yet to win and have lost their first three outings. Their last loss came against the Portland Trail Blazers as they squandered the game away in the last minute and lost 104:106 despite another 30+ points performance by LeBron James. The defense has been improved compared to last season but their offense has been god-awful. They have averaged the second-least points per game; the long-range ball is just downright horrendous 21% and overall, they are shooting merely 40% or so. The Lakers have done a great job at the perimeter and have averaged over 11 steals a game thus far.

LeBron continues to lead the scoring effort and has inserted 30 or more in two of the three games. Anthony Davis has given terrific defensive support and has averaged around 25 a game whereas Lonnie Walker IV has been an explosive scorer. Apart from that, it has all been downhill. Russell Westbrook has disappeared and is averaging a career-low 10 points a game whereas Patrick Beverley’s scoring has been down. The team has improved defensively but their offense is way worse compared to last season.

• Denver Nuggets: OUT: Collin Gillespie;
• Los Angeles Lakers: OUT: Dennis Schroeder, Thomas Bryant, Cole Swidler. PROBABLE: Anthony Davis, LeBron James. DOUBTFUL: Russell Westbrook.

• Likely 25+ Points Scorers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic;
• Likely 8+ Rebounds Gatherers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr;
• Likely 6+ Assists Dishers: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic.

The Lakers are struggling on the offensive end and it is clear that Russell Westbrook’s fit is now only becoming worse with each day. The Nuggets have been struggling on the defensive end and their usual string is missing with Nikola Jokic. The offensive battle may belong to the Nuggets but defensively, they have will need to sort out their woes. LeBron must be frustrated but at least, he can rely on the team’s defense, his team just needs to close out the business better. I see the Lakers closing one out here and eking out a close win.