Nuggets vs. Lakers | NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bets (3/19)

It’s a battle of two top teams in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers are battling for the spot near the top of the Western Conference. Tonight’s game will mark the 4th and final time these two teams will play each other; barring a matchup in the post-season. 

With so much to talk about, let’ jump right into it.

Nuggets/Lakers, live from Crptyo.com Arena in Los Angeles, California

Nuggets vs. Lakers| Information

Matchup Information

• Location: Crypto.com Arena; Los Angeles, California
• Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
• Tipoff: 10:10 PM EST

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers| Previous Matchups

• Lakers (126) @ Nuggets (131) – 3/14/2025
• Lakers (123) @ Nuggets (100) – 2/22/2025
• Nuggets (127) @ Lakers (102) – 11/23/2024
• Nuggets (124) @ Lakers (114) – 3/2/2024
• Nuggets (114) @ Lakers (106) – 2/8/24
• Lakers (107) @ Nuggets (119) – 10/24/23

Injury Report

Denver Nuggets

• Christian Braun – Questionable
• Aaron Gordon – Questionable
• Nikola Jokic – Questionable
• Jamal Murray – Questionable

Los Angeles Lakers

• Lebron James – OUT
• Rui Hachimura – OUT
• Luka Dončić – Questionable

Betting Odds

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Nuggets vs. Lakers | Analysis

Bad Blood

These two teams have played each other a lot. Over the last two seasons, including the post-season, both teams have played each other 11 times; tonight being the 12th meeting between the two. Denver’s won 9 of those 11 games but all but 1 came without to Luka Dončić in the lineup.

Both teams faced off last week and despite the Lakers missing both Luka and Lebron; the Lakers managed to keep it close. The Nuggets would eventually go onto win 131-126, but their was a significant portion of time where the Lakers held a significant lead. Denver had their full starting lineup in that, tonight that may not be the case.

With the wear and tear that comes with a full regular season, it’s no surprise we’ve got so many superstars with their status still in question. Lebron remains out of the lineup for the Lakers, but it was the Nuggets that pulled off a tough win despite missing 4 starters in Golden State.

With all the history between these two teams and the implications in terms of Western Conference standings; I’d be surprised to see the big names sit this one out.

Most Valuable Player, maybe?

The Nuggets are tied with the Houston Rockets for 2nd place in the Western Conference, with the Rockets playing the Orlando Magic tonight in Houston. Led by their MVP, the Nuggets have won 44 of their 69 games so far this year, with Jokic playing possibly the best basketball of his career.

Jokic is averaging 29.1 PPG, 12.8 RPG and 10.3 APG this year and he’s doing it on shooting splits of 58/41/81. That’s absolutely absurd for any position, let alone a 7’1 Center. Jokic is on pace to finish the season averaging a triple-double and he’s doing it as a Center. 

Denver’s 41-21 with Jokic in the lineup and the offense averages 122.5 PPG. In the 7 games without Jokic, they’ve gone 3-4 averaging just 108.6 PPG; that’s a difference of 14 PPG. Jokic is the Most Valuable Player, it’s not a debate.

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Luka Dončić o3.5 3s (-125) via BetOnline

Let’s start it off with some chalk. Luka’s averaging just under 11 3-point attempts per game and he’s finally found his stroke since returning from injury. The Nuggets rank 22nd in 3s allowed this year, 21st in opponent 3-point percentage and Luka’s hit this line in 4 of his L5 games against the Nuggets.

Luka’s also cleared this line in 6 of his L8 games overall and 4 of his L5 home games. Tonight with Jokic and the Nuggets in town, I expect more of the same from Dončić.

Luka Dončić o3.5 3s (-125)

Aaron Gordon o20.5 P/R (-105) via BetOnline

Aaron Gordon’s a guy who’s battled injuries this year but he’s back in the lineup and off his minutes restriction. Gordon was the only starter available for the team’s last game, he finished with 38 points and 6 rebounds against a Warriors defense that ranks in the top-5 over the L10 games.

Gordon’s cleared this line 8 of his L10 matchups with the Lakers, going back to last season, including the post-season. He’s averaged 27.9 combined points/rebounds/assists while shooting 55% from the field and grabbing 8.1 RPG.

If Jokic does sit tonight, going back to last season, Gordon’s played just three games without Jokic in the lineup; he finished with 16/13 (P/R), 22/12 and 38/6 in the three respective games.

He’s cleared this line in 6 of his L8 games and in 69% of games when he’s played 31+ minutes. Gordon’s cleared 30 minutes in all 6 of those 8 games, with 1 of the misses being due to injury.

AG’s back and should be in good shape to play full minutes tonight.

Aaron Gordon o20.5 P/R (-105)

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To Recap, Bets for the Nuggets vs. Warriors | March 17th, 2025:

We’re rolling with 2 plays; Luka Dončić o3.5 3s (-125) & Aaron Gordon o21.5 P/R (-120); both via BetOnline.

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