Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction | 01.20.26

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 20-01-2026

As the NBA regular season rolls into January, a compelling Western Conference clash awaits on January 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM in the formidable Ball Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers (25-16) travel to face the Denver Nuggets (29-14) in a matchup that promises high stakes and intense action. Both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, making every possession critical in this anticipated showdown.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Matchup Preview

Los Angeles Lakers Key Stats & Trends

The Los Angeles Lakers have proven to be a formidable force this season, largely powered by their superstar Luka Doncic. Doncic is having an MVP-caliber year, leading the team with an astounding 33.3 points per game and orchestrating the offense with 8.6 assists per game. His all-around impact is undeniable, reflected in his comprehensive rating of 33.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 0.5 BPG. Deandre Ayton provides a strong interior presence, grabbing 8.8 rebounds per game, anchoring the Lakers’ efforts on the glass. The Lakers’ offense often flows through Doncic’s pick-and-roll mastery and his ability to create for himself and others. Their recent form has been solid, but their depth will be tested.

Injury Report Los Angeles Lakers

• Adou Thiero (Out): Thiero will miss at least four weeks with a right MCL sprain.
• Austin Reaves (Out): Reaves has been diagnosed with a grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.

Denver Nuggets Key Stats & Trends

The Denver Nuggets, despite their impressive record, are navigating a challenging period marked by significant injuries. Jamal Murray remains a potent offensive threat, leading the team with 25.9 points per game and 7.3 assists per game. His ability to score in bunches and facilitate the offense will be crucial. Peyton Watson has stepped up on the boards, averaging 5.0 rebounds per game. The Nuggets’ identity as a cohesive unit and their strong home-court advantage have been key to their success, but their depth will be severely tested in this contest.

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

• Tim Hardaway Jr. (Day-to-day): Hardaway is listed as probable for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers due to a right knee contusion.
• Aaron Gordon (Day-to-day): Gordon (hamstring) is probable for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers.
• Jamal Murray (Day-to-day): Murray is probable for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers due to an illness and left knee inflammation.
• Christian Braun (Out): Braun (ankle) is out for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers.
• Nikola Jokic (Out): Jokic (knee) has resumed on-court workouts, but is out for this game.
• Jonas Valanciunas (Out): Valanciunas will be re-evaluated in four weeks for a right calf strain.
• Cameron Johnson (Out): Johnson will be reevaluated in 4-to-6 weeks due to a right knee contusion.
• Tamar Bates (Out): Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Best Bet

This matchup presents a fascinating dynamic given the extensive injury report for the Denver Nuggets. While the Lakers are missing key rotational players in Reaves and Thiero, the Nuggets are severely depleted, notably without their reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, along with Valanciunas, Braun, and Johnson. However, the probable status of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is a critical factor, ensuring Denver still fields significant offensive firepower and defensive versatility.

Despite the absences, the Nuggets’ home-court advantage at Ball Arena is formidable, and their ‘next man up’ mentality often sees role players rise to the occasion. The Lakers, while potent with Doncic, might find it challenging to pull away against a resilient Denver squad that still boasts strong veteran leadership. Expect Murray to carry a heavy offensive load, and Gordon’s defense will be vital. The spread of Denver Nuggets +2.5 (Spread) feels like an opportunity, as the market might be overvaluing the impact of Jokic’s absence against a team that still has championship-level talent available. For the total points line of 228.5, we anticipate a relatively high-scoring affair. With Jokic out, Denver’s defense in the paint might be compromised, while the Lakers’ offense with Doncic is always capable of big numbers. Even without Jokic, Murray, Gordon, and Hardaway Jr. can contribute significantly to the scoring, leading us to pick the over.