Nuggets vs Lakers Picks, Prediction Today | Thursday, Feb. 8

Here's everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Lakers on Thursday, Feb. 8 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

Thursday night’s pivotal showdown between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers carries significant implications. Denver enters the game hoping to keep pace among the best teams in the league while Los Angeles struggles to remain relevant in the Play-In seeding.

The Nuggets, known for their cohesive team play and the Lakers, with their star-driven approach, offer a contrast in styles which should be a factor in tonight’s matchup. This will be the second matchup this season between these two teams as Denver defeated Los Angeles 119-107 on Oct. 24 at Ball Arena.

Let's get to our Nuggets vs. Lakers prediction and pick.

The Los Angeles Lakers have proven their resilience and adaptation over their last 10 games with a 6-4 record and winners of three in a row entering tonight’s game. Despite facing injuries and lineup changes, they've managed to put up competitive numbers, with an 55.6% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) that remains in the top half of the association.

The Lakers’ offensive rebounding percentage (worst in the league) and turnover percentage (22^nd) highlight a team that struggles with consistency and offensive possessions. However, their ability to get to the line is at an elite level as they rank 7^th in free throw rate (FTR). The Lakers' will need to be efficient and convert on as many offensive possessions as possible, especially in a game that promises to be a high-tempo affair.

Moreover, the Lakers' performance against the spread this season has been a rollercoaster, reflecting their on-court inconsistencies. Their ability to cover depends heavily on the leadership and performance of their marquee players, notably LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In games where their stars align, the Lakers not only compete but can outright dominate.

Yet, the challenge lies in their defensive execution and bench production. Against a team as deep and well-coached as the Nuggets, the Lakers' secondary players will need to step up, making their recent trends of steals, blocks, and bench points vital metrics to watch tonight.

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Denver is currently in a three-way tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves atop the Western Conference with a 35-16 record. The Nugget’s 7-3 record over their last 10 games have painted the picture of a team in rhythm.

Denver's scoring efficiency (10^th) and offensive rebounding numbers (5^th in ORB%) stand out, underpinned by a philosophy of team basketball that has served them well throughout the season. Their assist-to-turnover ratio (1^st), a key indicator of their offensive fluidity, has been impressive, showcasing their ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Against a Lakers team that has shown vulnerabilities in both perimeter and transition defense, the Nuggets' balanced attack should prove to be a decisive factor.

The Nuggets' defensive numbers this season mirrors their on-court success. Denver’s systematic approach has allowed them to rank 5^th in defensive eFG%. If they can improve on their season long turnover percentage (24^th) and get the Lakers to turnover key possessions, they should be able to control this game.

The Nuggets should be able to limit second chance points as they rank in the middle of the league in defensive rebounding percentage but the Lakers being dead last in ORB% should not hurt them. Denver will need to impose their game plan; a critical factor when facing a team with the star power of the Lakers.

This matchup between the Nuggets and Lakers is a tale of two philosophies, with the Nuggets' cohesive team play likely being a significant advantage over the Lakers' star-driven approach. Considering the Nuggets' consistent performance and the Lakers' defensive struggles, taking Denver to cover the -3.5 spread is the side I will be backing tonight.

The Nuggets' ability to execute their game plan, combined with advantageous matchups led by two-time NBA MVP Jokic leading the way should be too much for the Lakers to contend with. Denver also has superior bench play which should allow them to not only cover but potentially secure a convincing win.

Take the Nuggets -3.5 (value up to -4) tonight at BetMGM and expect another convincing performance from Denver in the Mile High City.

Pick: Nuggets -3.5 (-110)

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