Denver Nuggets (57-25) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (47-35)
As the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a pivotal NBA Playoffs 1st Round Game 4 on April 27, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena, the stakes could not be higher. The Nuggets, having secured a dominant regular season record, face a Lakers team that has struggled but remains dangerous. This matchup, set to air on ABC, is expected to draw significant attention from basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike, many of whom frequent the top online casino platforms for sports betting.
The Nuggets’ performance this season can be shown with the help of their excellent offensive stats which includes 114.9 points per game and a 49.6 shooting percentage from the field. Their 37.4% three-point shooting along with the rest of their scoring just makes them more versatile. In the Jokic era, Denver not only wins the boards – with 44.4 rebounds on average – but the team’s playmaking ranks 1st with 29.5 assists every game. But, their record on the road against the spread, which is 17-23, not only shows a potential weakness away from home but also a weak performance.
The Lakers, on the contrary, can justifiably claim a slight upper hand with regards to scoring as the team averages 118 points per game and a 49.9% field-goal percentage. Their free throw shooting kills them, which is 78.2%. While the Lakers may have fewer offensive rebounds per game, they can still compete with a passable 43.1 total rebounds and a better 3-point shot percentage of 37.7%. However, their inconsistency is apparent in their away games as they notched 18 wins and only 22 losses.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Nikola Jokic (C) vs. LeBron James (SF)
Nuggets’ main man Nikola Jokic has once again showed an MVP form in the season 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG combined with 9 AST. The capability to impact the game with his scoring and playmaking is what makes him a key element of the Nuggets’ hopes for the playoffs Through his high assist-to-turnover ratio (3.0), he is efficient, while defensive stats may daunt him a little bit due to multiple options of Lakers’ offense.
LeBron James is still a real force of nature for the Lakers with a 25.7 points average, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. He brings in both leadership and playoff experience, which are extremely useful particularly in dramatic games. He obviously is the key to the team’s goal scoring and playmaking, but his rebounding count (50) and turnovers per game (3.5) could be a spot for the Nuggets to target.
When Jokic and James go against each other, the clash will be embodied with the concept of versatility vs experience.experience. Jokic’s all-around game will create a defensive dilemma for James, whilst at the same time LeBron being able to turn a game around will be a serious test for the Nuggets defense. They are likely to be the deciding factor of the game, because their confrontation will determine which team will emerge as the victor.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spreads for this game are still being finalized, reflecting the unpredictability and balanced nature of this matchup. Bettors should keep a close eye on these as game day approaches.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have been consistent, posting 4-1 record both ATS (against the spread) and SU (straight up) in their last 5 games. This was demonstrated in their performance in the last 5 games, which saw them hit the over in totals on 4 occasions. Hence, the highly scoring style of the Lakers’ defense could increase the high quality of the game.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The long run of the Lakers has been coincided by some inconsistency, 3-2 record during their last 5 games and 2-3 record against the spread. They, as the Nuggets also have experienced, have been part of their high-scoring games, which has resulted in four games in their last five going over the totals.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 4/27/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends, the upcoming game is likely to be a high-scoring affair. The key will be Jokic’s ability to outmaneuver the Lakers’ defense and whether LeBron can rally his team to exploit the Nuggets’ weaker road game defense.
As for betting picks, without the current spreads and moneylines, it’s a bit challenging to provide specific advice. However, given the trends, betting on the over for total points might be a prudent choice. For prop bets, focusing on Jokic and James for double-doubles could offer value given their season performances.
Expect a closely contested game, but with Jokic’s form and the Nuggets’ slightly better balance, Denver might edge out a crucial win in this NBA Playoffs free picks.
