Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Lakers: a Playoffs feel
Even with key names missing on both sides, every Nuggets-Lakers meeting smells like another playoff scrap. Denver and L.A. meet during NBA Rivals Week — a tight, unpredictable clash that either team can tilt in its favour.
Denver Nuggets: get the offense firing again 
They’ve coped with Nikola Jokic’s absence better than most — seven wins in twelve without the three-time MVP — but the Nuggets were put to the sword by the Hornets (87-110), outplayed from start to finish. Before that stinker, David Adelman’s group had rattled off four straight wins against teams they should handle, but that stretch had the feel of ticking boxes rather than dominance.
With a day off, Denver should snap back to the attack that’s carried them all season: 121.7 points per game, the best mark in the league. The 87 points against Charlotte has to be an outlier if they want to bounce right back against the Lakers. Jamal Murray is expected to be available — he loves a showdown with the Lakers and often goes nuclear in these games.
INJURY REPORT : Nikola Jokic (OUT) – Cam Johnson (OUT) – Jonas Valanciunas (OUT) – Christian Braun (OUT) – Aaron Gordon (probable) – Jamal Murray (probable) – Tim Hardaway Jr (probable)
Los Angeles Lakers: hang on to top six 
The Lakers are stuck in a lurch — brilliant one night, terrible the next. They looked slick against the Raptors (110-93), clicking on both ends, then flat-out collapsed against the Hornets (117-135) where the defence went missing. JJ Redick’s men face a tricky trip into Denver’s den. With Austin Reaves sidelined, the scoring load falls squarely on LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The numbers don’t make life easy when judging L.A. — 17th in offense, 19th in defense — odd for a team sitting in the West’s top six. But if there’s one area the Lakers own, it’s the clutch. They’re a nightmare in tight finishes, largely because LeBron and Luka find another gear. Beating Denver is vital if they want to keep the Suns breathing down their neck.
INJURY REPORT : Austin Reaves (OUT) – Adou Thiero (OUT)
NBA pick Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers
Over 225.5 points
Both teams are messy on defense — and both still have elite scorers. Jamal Murray, Luka Doncic and LeBron James will get room to operate. Expect an open game, not a grinding defensive slog. Favors the over.
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