Lakers vs. Nuggets: Odds, Prediction, and Best Bets for March 14

The Denver Nuggets (42-24) host the Los Angeles Lakers (40-24) in a key Western Conference matchup on Friday night. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses, with Denver dropping two of its last three games, including a 115-95 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Lakers remain winless on their current four-game road trip after a 126-106 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

Injury concerns could play a significant role in this contest. The Lakers will be without LeBron James (groin) and Luka Doncic (calf), while Denver’s Aaron Gordon (ankle) is questionable. However, Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (knee) are both listed as probable.
Game Details
Tipoff: Friday, 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ball Arena, Denver
TV/Streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Season Series: Tied 1-1, with the road team winning both meetings
Latest Odds (via SportsLine)
Spread: Nuggets -14.5
Over/Under: 227.5 points (down from an opening 232)
Money Line: Nuggets -1124 | Lakers +710
Betting Insights

SportsLine’s proven projection model, which has returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors on top-rated NBA picks, has simulated this matchup 10,000 times. The model enters Week 21 of the NBA season on a 148-107 run, including a 65% success rate (19-10) on top-rated spread picks this season.
Why the Lakers Can Cover

Despite injuries, Los Angeles has key contributors who can keep the game competitive:
Dalton Knecht is expected to take on a larger role. In nine games where he’s played at least 30 minutes, he’s averaged 20.3 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting an impressive 53.6% from the field and 50% from three.
Austin Reaves is a consistent playmaker, averaging 18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. In the Lakers’ recent loss to the Nets, he posted 17 points and 10 assists, his fifth double-double of the season.
Why the Nuggets Can Cover

Denver has the advantage of home court and an MVP-caliber leader in Nikola Jokic, who remains dominant:
Jokic is averaging 29 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, ranking among the league leaders in all categories. He has scored 30+ points in three of his last four games.
Michael Porter Jr. provides outside shooting and rebounding, averaging 18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and hitting 40% from three. He recorded 24 points and 15 rebounds in a recent win over the Thunder.
Expert Prediction & Best Bet

The SportsLine model leans Over on the total, projecting a combined 229 points, and has identified a strong play on the spread, hitting in nearly 70% of simulations.

🔹 Pick: Nuggets -14.5
🔹 Total: Over 227.5

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