Lakers (40-35) +4, o/u 205 at Denver (41-34), 10:35 p.m. Eastern, TNT
by Ultimatecapper.com Staff
The surging Los Angeles Lakers pay a visit to the suddenly struggling Denver Nuggets in a Western Conference battle Thursday night.
The Lakers are heating up at just the right time, winning six of their last seven games. L.A. beat Houston 104-88 Sunday as six-point home chalk.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, are having a bit of trouble closing out what would be their first division title since the 1987-88 season. Denver has lost four of its last five games after falling to the Clippers 111-109 Tuesday as four-point road dogs.
The Lakers are in third place in the Pacific Division, but, more importantly, hold down the #7 slot in the Western Conference, three games back of Memphis and 1 ˝ games ahead of Sacramento, with seven games to play.
Denver leads the Northwest Division by 5 ˝ games over Utah with seven to go. The Nuggets look like they’re going to be the #3 seed in the West.
L.A. is 37-34 against the spread this season, 18-21 straight up and 22-15 ats on the road, 19-14 ats as underdogs.
Denver is 39-36 vs. the number this season, 24-13 straight up and 20-17 ats at home, 19-17 ats as favorites.
Los Angeles has won seven of the last 10 games in the series with Denver, including two games this season by scores of 99-97 (in Denver) and 112-92 (in L.A.).
Los Angeles is shooting 45% from the floor this season, 35% from 3-point range and 74% from the free-throw line.
Denver is shooting 46% from the field on the season, a league-low 33% from long range and 75% from the line.
The Lakers own a +1.8 rebounds per game margin and a +1.8 points per game differential. The Nuggets own a -.7 rebounding margin and a +.7 points differential.
The over is 40-35 in Denver games this season, and eight of the last 10 Nuggets game have gone over the total.
The under is 38-37 in Lakers games this season, and eight of their last 10 games have stayed below the total. Also, seven of the last 10 games in the series between these two teams have gone under.
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The Ultimatecapper Pick: The line opened at -4 and has moved to -5.5 in afternoon movement. We think the line is right where it should be and find no value in this play. We know you came here looking for our pick, however sometimes your best bet is to PASS! Believe it!
