The Los Angeles Lakers look to avoid embarrassment one last time this season. In one of the more disappointing seasons of all time in the NBA, the Lakers are in Denver to wrap up their ugly campaign at Ball Arena.
Settling for the play-in would have been bad enough for the Lakers, but they’re missing everything all together. There isn’t going to be a play-in or playoffs for the Lakers.
Eight players in double figures = #LakersWin @iAmSJ: 21 pts, 8 reb@WenyenGabriel: 16 pts, 7 reb@Thortontucker: 15 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast@DwightHoward: 15 pts, 8 reb@masonjones2: 13 pts@AhmadMonk: 12 pts, 5 ast
Austin Reaves: 11 pts@WayneEllington: 10 pts pic.twitter.com/HlAI08eKZW— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 9, 2022
In a failed experiment with Russell Westbrook, the Lakers are going into the season’s final day with a record of 32-49. That’s not even close to acceptable considering the hype of this team.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, and Westbrook on the same roster; surely that can’t fail?
You just watched how blindly putting together a team with brand names doesn’t always work. It isn’t the first time and won’t be the last time.
The Lakers are going to look a lot different next season. While the Lakers are off on vacation beginning tomorrow, the Nuggets are preparing for the playoffs.
We love you, Nuggets Nation! We can't wait to have you in Ball Arena for one last time this regular season? pic.twitter.com/O2wsjjwUBA
— x – Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 10, 2022
Westbrook, Davis, and James will not be suiting up to play tonight. Part of the Lakers’ problems this season has been their depth, so there shouldn’t be any for the season finale.
The Nuggets edged out the Timberwolves for the Western Conference’s sixth and final playoff seed. Minnesota must go through the play-in tournament.
Head below for our free Lakers vs. Nuggets prediction on April 10, 2022.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds and Team Statistics:
The following odds are courtesy of Bovada:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | +10 (-110) | +395 | Over 229 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -10 (-110) | -555 | Under 229 (-110) |
| Team Data | LA Lakers | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 32-49 | 48-33 |
| ATS Record | 34-46-1 | 36-44-1 |
| Away/Home Record | 11-29 | 23-17 |
| ATS Away/Home | 17-23-0 | 15-25-0 |
| Points Per Game | 111.7 | 112.4 |
| Points Against Per Game | 114.8 | 110.0 |
| Field Goal % | 46.9 | 48.2 |
| Three Point % | 34.7 | 35.3 |
Lakers vs. Nuggets Prediction:
The Lakers threw in the towel a long time back, but showed up for a 120-101 win over the Thunder on Friday night. They ended an eight-game losing streak with the win.
There was motivation to not get embarrassed at home versus the Thunder. They were able to accomplish that much and cover the 6 points.
It’s not much, but something for Stanley Johnson to look at positively. Johnson led the Lakers with 21 points in a starting lineup that was not impressive on paper.
The Lakers went with Johnson, Austin Reaves, Dwight Howard, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Malik Monk. With starters sitting out for the Lakers, they’ll go with another depth-less roster in Denver.
I’m not sure what the motivation for the Lakers is going to be at Ball Arena tonight. It’s likely back to multiple turnovers and no defense.
The Lakers are 26th in the league with 114.8 points against per game. They’ve given up 116.8 points a game and a 47.9% field goal percentage on the road.
LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Trends:
- 4-9 ATS in their previous 13 games on the road
- 17-42 ATS in their previous 59 games after a win
- 4-13 ATS in their previous 17 games versus the Western Conference
- 0-5 overall in their previous five games on the road
- 7-19 ATS in their previous 26 games on a Sunday
- 9-2 overall in their previous 11 games versus the Pacific Division
- 5-1 ATS in their previous six games on a Sunday
- 3-0-1 ATS in their previous four games versus the Lakers at home
- 5-2 overall in their previous seven games
- OVER is 11-2 in their previous 13 games versus a team with a winning record at home
The Nuggets aren’t going to have their best product on the floor tonight either. They are locked into the sixth seed and can’t improve with a win tonight.
Having said that, there has to be more motivation for the Nuggets to finish strong at home than the Lakers have after beating the Thunder. It’s hard to find an angle in Denver where the Lakers care.
It might be close early on Sunday night, but a lack of willingness should push the Lakers out of contention at Ball Arena. The Nuggets by double digits to win and cover looks accurate.
MORE FREE SPORTS BETTING PICKS!
