The Denver Nuggets (44-25) and Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) meet on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena. The Nuggets lead the season series 2-1, but the Lakers are looking to even things up at home.
Denver is coming off a 114-105 road victory over the Golden State Warriors, despite playing without Nikola Jokic (elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle). In their absence, Aaron Gordon exploded for a season-high 38 points, while Russell Westbrook notched a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists.
Meanwhile, the Lakers handled the San Antonio Spurs 125-109 in their last outing. Luka Doncic starred with 21 points, 14 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Austin Reaves led all scorers with 30 points.
![Luka Doncic looks to lead the Lakers past Denver in this high-stakes showdown. [photo: Lakers Instagram]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot_81.png)
Lakers vs. Nuggets Odds (via Melbet)
- Moneyline: Nuggets +100 | Lakers -120
- Spread: Nuggets +1.5 (-110) | Lakers -1.5 (-110)
- Total (O/U): 232.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
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Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic (elbow) – Questionable
- Jamal Murray (ankle) – Questionable
- Christian Braun (foot) – Questionable
- Aaron Gordon (calf) – Probable
- Julian Strawther (knee) – Out
Los Angeles Lakers
- Luka Doncic (ankle) – Probable
- Rui Hachimura (knee) – Out
- LeBron James (groin) – Out
For real-time injury updates, check the NBA’s official injury report.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Moneyline: Bet Lakers (-120)
The Lakers nearly upset the Nuggets in their last meeting, covering the spread as 15-point road underdogs in a 131-126 loss. With Jokic and Murray questionable, Denver’s lineup may struggle to match Doncic and Reaves’ playmaking. The home court gives the Lakers the edge.
Spread: Pass (Bet Lakers ML Instead)
Since the Lakers are favored by just 1.5 points, taking them on the moneyline (-120) makes more sense than betting the spread.
Over/Under: Bet Over 232.5 (-110)
- Denver has allowed 126+ points in 5 of its last 7 games (4-3 O/U).
- The Lakers have scored 125+ points in 2 of their last 3 outings.
- The last meeting went Over (229.5 total points).
Given both teams’ offensive firepower and defensive lapses, expect a high-scoring contest.
