Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/05/26

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Optimism is back among the Lakers ranks following 3 consecutive wins, but that streak will be tested on Thursday in Denver as they clash with the Nuggets for the 2nd time this season. Luka and co. won the first meeting back in January, also at Ball Arena, but it’s worth pointing out that Jokic was not available for the home team in that game. With the big fella now back, the Lakers are 5-point underdogs, which is a reasonable indicates the oddsmakers are expecting a close outcome here. The biggest factor that could impact this game will be the play of Deandre Ayton who has come under a lot of criticism lately. After back-to-back double-digit scoring games a lot is expected out of the Lakers big man here.

It hasn’t been the best of restarts following the All-Star break for the Nuggets who are just 3-4 SU in 7 games played, without connecting back-to-back wins. Jamal Murray exploded for 45 points and 8 assists in the win over the Jazz the other day, in an unusually high scoring game. Denver’s inability to get stops is exactly what has them only half a game ahead of the Lakers in the standings at the moment; this team has fallen off quite a bit defensively this season. They’re allowing 114.4 points per 100 possessions, which is worse than the Lakers and a reason for concern as they play out the remaining 20 games of the regular season. Getting Aaron Gordon back from injury will certainly help, but until that happens the Nuggets will have to manage somehow without him.

I have a hard time imagining the Lakers beating these Nuggets in back-to-back games at Ball Arena. Especially with Jokic back in the line-up. The 3-time MVP is averaging 27.4 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists in the last 10 meetings. He’s had 3 triple-doubles in the last 7 meetings, while winning 8 of the last 10. I’ll take my chances with the Nuggets here.

Lakers vs Nuggets prediction: Nuggets -5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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