Who is playing
Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Lakers
Current records: Denver 8-6, Los Angeles 10-5
How to watch
- When: Saturday November 23, 2024 at 10:30 pm ET
- Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, California
- TV: NBA TV
- Continue: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try it for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $109.29
What to know
The Nuggets are 9-1 against the Lakers since May 2023 and will have a chance to extend that success on Saturday. After playing yesterday, the Denver Nuggets will hit the road to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 pm ET at Crypto.com Arena. After a loss in a game the Nuggets were expected to win, they now face the tougher task of proving themselves against unfavorable odds.
The Nuggets head into the game after suffering their closest loss since Nov. 1 on Friday. They were just behind the Mavericks by a score of 123-120. The close contest was even more heartbreaking for Denver, which nearly overcame a 24-point deficit.
The Nuggets might have lost, but man, Nikola Jokic was a machine: he had a triple-double with 33 points, 17 rebounds and ten assists. Jokic’s night made it three games in a row in which he scored at least 30 points.
Even though they lost, the Nuggets worked as a unit and finished the game with 33 assists (ranked second in assists per game overall). They easily outscored their opponents in that department, as the Mavericks only recorded 24.
Meanwhile, the Lakers unfortunately saw their six-game winning streak end on Thursday. They lost 119-118 to the Magic on a last-minute shot by Franz Wagner. It was the first time this season that Los Angeles disappointed its fans at home.
The Lakers’ defeat should not overshadow the performances of Anthony Davis, who almost achieved a double-double with 39 points and nine rebounds, and LeBron James, who was 5 of 9 from downtown and achieved a double-double with 31 points . and ten rebounds. James continues to advance, surpassing his previous point total in each of the last three games he has played.
Denver’s loss ended a five-game winning streak at home and dropped them to 8-6. As for Los Angeles, their loss dropped their record to 10-5.
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a tough matchup: the Nuggets have smashed the boards this season, averaging 45.9 rebounds per game. However, it’s a different story for the Lakers, as they have averaged just 40.1. Given the Nuggets’ considerable advantage in that area, the Lakers will need to find a way to close that gap.
The Nuggets outscored the Lakers 108-106 in their previous meeting in April. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was James, who nearly had a triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Now that he has a second chance to win this matchup, can the Nuggets contain James? Check CBSSports.com after the game to find out.
Odd
Los Angeles is a 4.5-point favorite against Denver, according to the latest report NBA Odds.
Bettors had a good idea of the line for this one, as the game began with the Lakers as 3.5-point favorites.
The over/under is 234.5 points.
See NBA selections for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Picks Now.
History of the series
Denver has won 9 of its last 10 games against Los Angeles.
- April 29, 2024: Denver 108 vs. Los Angeles 106
- April 27, 2024 – Los Angeles 119 vs. Denver 108
- April 25, 2024: Denver 112 vs. Los Angeles 105
- April 22, 2024: Denver 101 vs. Los Angeles 99
- April 20, 2024: Denver 114 vs. Los Angeles 103
- March 2, 2024: Denver 124 vs. Los Angeles 114
- February 8, 2024: Denver 114 vs. Los Angeles 106
- October 24, 2023: Denver 119 vs. Los Angeles 107
- May 22, 2023: Denver 113 vs. Los Angeles 111
- May 20, 2023: Denver 119 vs. Los Angeles 108
