The defending champion Nuggets look to make it 10 straight wins when they host LeBron James and the new-look Lakers Saturday night at Ball Arena.
Denver has absolutely owned this matchup lately, winning 13 of their last 14 games against LA going back to January 2023.
But the Lakers are bringing something new to the table this time – Luka Doncic. The superstar guard, traded from Dallas earlier this month, is expected to make his first appearance against Denver in purple and gold.
LeBron James is coming in hot. The 39-year-old legend just dropped 40 points against Portland, becoming the first player ever to score 40+ twice after turning 40. Pretty incredible stuff.
The Nuggets are rolling right now, winning 9 straight games. They’re putting up crazy numbers during this streak – 126.6 points per game while shooting a red-hot 53.6% from the field.
Nikola Jokic is doing Nikola Jokic things. The big man is averaging nearly a triple-double with 29.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
Both teams are dealing with some injury concerns. The Lakers have LeBron (foot) listed as probable, while Doncic is questionable for load management. Denver’s Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are probable with knee and calf issues.
The oddsmakers like Denver in this one, making them 7-point favorites at home.
The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
The Nuggets are tough to beat at Ball Arena, where they’re 20-8 this season. But the Lakers have been playing well lately too, going 11-3 in their last 14 games.
These teams met once already this season, with Denver winning big 127-102 back in November. But that was before LA had Doncic in their lineup.
Coach Michael Malone’s Nuggets have never won 10 straight games. They’ve got a 64.8% chance to make history tonight, according to ESPN’s stats.
The game will be available to stream free through Jazz Sports for those who can’t catch it on ABC.
