Filip Tomic
It is one of the most anticipated regular season games in a while as the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Tipoff is set for 8.30 pm ET, and you can catch the game live on ABC. I have also prepared a Same Game Parlay, available below.
Head over to our NBA Picks page for predictions on Saturday’s 5-game slate, but now let’s jump into my Lakers vs Nuggets SGP!
LeBron James to record 10+ rebounds (+320)
Nikola Jokic 2+ made threes (-188)
Same Game Parlay odds: +465
LeBron James to record 10+ rebounds (+320)
One of the main reasons why I like this bet is the fact that the Lakers have played at a really fast pace over the past 10 games, averaging 101.6 possessions — which is the seventh-highest mark in the entire NBA. With Anthony Davis now no longer in LA, the Lakers have already been exposed on the glass a couple of times — so I’m looking at LeBron James to lend a hand down low in an effort to slow down Nikola Jokic. LeBron has been doing it on the offensive end, keeping the Lakers afloat, but you have to wonder is that sustainable for a player in his 22nd season and at the age of 40? Perhaps Luka Doncic can take over some of the scoring responsibilities now that his minutes restriction is no longer in effect, while James concentrates on protecting the rim a bit more. Rebounding is something that LBJ can still very much do and his numbers from February back that up. He has upped his rebounding to 9.1 per game this month, which is a significant increase to his average of 7 per game in January. Over the past 3 outings the Lakers are averaging 7.4 rebounds more than their season average. Hopefully LeBron can help keep that number high tonight.
Nikola Jokic 2+ made threes (-188)
Playing just 16 minutes total during All-Star Weekend has allowed Jokic to recharge his batteries a bit, and right off the bat he responded in his first game back by scoring 29 points in a big win over Charlotte. What’s even more impressive, though, is the fact that he scored a season-high 6 3-pointers in that game while attempting 14 shots from beyond-the-arc. That was only the second time this season that Jokic has attempted double-digit shots from distance; it also happened earlier this month against the Pelicans, with 13 attempts from deep. Jokic’s attempts have gone up to 6.6 per game in February. If he keeps that up there is almost no chance he isn’t making at least 2 shots against the Lakers. Over the last 10 meetings he is shooting the 3-ball at 38.3%, plus he has cleared this line 6 times total. In the 1 game against LA this season he went 3-for-7 from deep, finishing with 34 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists. With Anthony Davis not guarding him, his numbers might look even better than that — so let’s have a bet on Jokic to drain a pair of triples.
