Lakers still disjointed with Luka and lack of a true big man should prove to be a major issue vs Nuggets team that is filling up the scoreboard. Nugs have won 9 in a row overall, winning of those games by 8 or more. They have won 8 in a row at home, wining all of them by 9 or more. Altitude didnt work out well for LAL at Utah just before the break and Denver is more rested team at home. The Joker seems intent on letting teams know Denver's early-season malaise is long over and they can once again rule the West. I suspect they make a statement here. Nugs 8-2 ATS when a favorite of 6-8 points. Won first game by 25.

The key to this game is going to be Jamal Murray lighting it up like he has the last nine games averaging 27 points a game. That is playoff Jamal Murray. He's ready. It's almost playoff time but this game will have a playoff feel.

DraftKings. Nikola Jokic is averaging 12.7 rebounds per game this season. While he’s been hit or miss on this line recently (over in 8 of his last 15), this matchup sets up nicely for him. The Lakers, now sans Anthony Davis, will employ the lower usage Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len at center, which should allow Jokic free range to crash the boards.