The Nuggets are now in a good tear in the last two games. They followed up their 140-112 win over the Pacers in London by easing past the Magic at home, 125-112. Six players reached double digits for Denver, but the spotlight belonged to Nikola Jokic, who had 30 points (career-high), 11 rebounds, and five assists.
The team is currently fifth in points (108.8 PPG) and ninth in offensive efficiency, and against a defensively-challenged team like the Lakers, the scoring barrage may continue.
They are equipped to keep this hot streak, with Danilo Gallinari (17.1 PPG), Wilson Chandler (16.4 PPG), Will Barton (13.4 PPG), Nikola Jokic (13.3 PPG), Gary Harris (13 PPG), and Emmanuel Mudiay (12.1 PPG) all capable of exploding at any given night. Additionally, the 42.7 PPG average from their bench is second only to the Lakers.
However, they will need to improve their defense moving forward. They are 28th in points allowed (111.2 PPG) and 29th in defensive efficiency. In 12 of their games this season, they have allowed 115 or more points, and they are only 1-11 when that happens.
The Nuggets are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five games on the road.
The Lakers were dealt another loss Sunday night, as the Pistons hit timely shots in the fourth quarter to edge them out, 102-97. With the defeat, Los Angeles’s most beloved pro team is now just 4-20 since the start of December, which is quite fitting, since they are getting lit up and smoked.
The once-impressive offense, one that looked like a poor man’s Golden State Warriors, is now gone, at least based on being effective. Despite having five guys that average over 13 points and the best scoring bench in the league (49.4 PPG), they are just 18th in points and 20th in offensive efficiency.
Over on defense, they’re awful too. All that energy of being one of the youngest teams in the league isn’t translating into being active on D. They are 30th in defense, opponents’ field goal percentage (47.9 percent), and assists allowed (25.2 APG), while also ranking 26th in points allowed (110.2 PPG) and 29th in points allowed in the paint (47.6 per game).
The Lakers are 3-2 SU and ATS in their last five games at home.
