LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers team will travel to Denver to take on the surprising Nuggets on Tuesday night. Both of these teams have played well in the early going this season and look like real playoff contenders in the Western Conference. The Lakers beat the Nuggets earlier this season, 121-114, in Los Angeles.
The Denver Nuggets come into this game with a 13-7 record and are in first place in the Northwest Division. The Nuggets have won three straight games including an impressive performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles saw their three-game winning streak snapped in their last game against the Orlando Magic. The Lakers bring a 11-8 record into this matchup and are in third place in the Pacific Division. The Nuggets are a four-point favorite over the Lakers in this game.
Murray, Jokic Leading Nuggets
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have been the offensive stars for the Nuggets this season, but Denver has plenty of depth. Murray is averaging 17.4 points per game this season but is shooting just 31 percent on three-point attempts. Nikola Jokic is averaging 16.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists this season. The Nuggets are young and talented and should continue to get better as the year goes on.
The biggest reason for the Nuggets great record this season has been the strength of their defense. Denver is allowing just 103.2 points per game this season, which is the third-best scoring defense in the NBA. Veteran Paul Millsap is the anchor of the Nuggets defense, averaging 1.2 blocks per game.
LeBron Terrific in First Season With Lakers
LeBron James has his Lakers teammates believing that the playoffs are possible this season, and he has played great in leading the team. James is averaging 28.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game and has carried the Lakers to several victories this season. The Lakers are still looking for more consistent scoring this season, but they have a top-10 offense at this point.
The Lakers were a mess defensively to begin the season, but they have started to play better. Los Angeles is giving up 112.7 points per game this season, which is in the bottom third of the NBA. The Lakers should be a better defensive team when veteran point guard Rajon Rondo returns from injury, and the acquisition of backup center Tyson Chandler helps as well. Los Angeles gave up 114 points to the Nuggets in their last meeting.
Nuggets Beat Lakers At Home
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets have been playing well of late, and this should be one of the best NBA games of the week. The Nuggets and Lakers are two of the up and coming teams in the NBA, but the Lakers have a proven winner in LeBron James. King James should have a great game against the Nuggets, but Denver will find a way to slow down the Lakers and win the game. Bet the Denver Nuggets -4.0 over the Lakers on Tuesday night.
