A three-game run in the win column has pushed the Nuggets into a three-way tie for second in the Western Conference. Denver will keep that going against the visiting LA Lakers.
The Pepsi Center will be the site of tonight’s battle between the host Denver Nuggets and the visiting Lakers from the City of Angels.
The Lakers have struggled at this site over the last few years, going 2-4 against the spread mainly because the Nuggets are able to take advantage of the Lakers' weaknesses.
A huge edge has been Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups' ability to dominate the smaller Lakers guard Derek Fisher who has seen his skill level diminish over time. Billups has averaged 21 points per game versus the Lakers this season while nailing treys at a 53 percent clip in those contests.
SBR Masters Matchups Contest
The Nuggets are 32-6 at Pepsi Center, winning by 9.6 points per game, which is the third-best home record in the NBA. The Lakers are 22-16 SU on the road and 16-22-1 ATS in those games while Denver is 7-0 ATS against clubs with a winning road record.
A check of the database reveals two key angles that are active for tonight’s game. The Lakers are 2-20 ATS on the road after a game in which more than 75 percent of their baskets were assisted. The Denver Nuggets are 43-23 ATS during the regular season when facing a team they lost to in their previous same season matchup.
Finally we have a league-wide system that says to play on NBA home teams in this price range averaging 103 or more points per game versus an opponent after a loss of 10 or more points. These home teams have posted a record of 30-7 ATS for 81 percent winners since 1996.
We will lay the short price with the host as the Nuggets continue their solid play on their home floor against the Lakers.
Projected Final Score: Denver-106 Los Angeles-90
Free Pick: Nuggets -2 (-110)