Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction 17 October 2026
🏀 The Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets in their final NBA preseason clash. The home side are entering a new era without LeBron James, while the visitors continue to build their system around Nikola Jokic. Both teams stand at 2-2 and are eager to wrap up their preparations on a high note ahead of the regular season tip-off. In Los Angeles, fans are hoping their team can bounce back after recent defeats to the Warriors, while Denver travel to California looking to respond following a setback against the Clippers. This matchup offers the perfect opportunity to gauge just how ready these revamped rosters are for the real battles that lie ahead.
Head-to-Head
📊In the last five head-to-head matchups, the Lakers have held a slight edge, coming out on top three times. The most recent clash, played in Los Angeles back in March, was no exception - the Californians claimed a thrilling 127-125 victory.
Head-to-head statistics Lakers - Nuggets
Lakers: Doncic, Reaves, Kessler - lining up together for the first time
For the first time this preseason, head coach Reddick may unleash Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler together on the court - a trio at the heart of the Lakers’ new identity. Kessler made his preseason debut on Tuesday against Golden State, putting up 11 points and 9 rebounds in just 16 minutes, and already showed some chemistry with Reaves, who dropped 28 points and dished out 7 assists in that game. Doncic sat out in Las Vegas but returns with fresh legs for this matchup.
After their recent defeat to Golden State, Reddick pointed out that the team focused heavily on rebounding during Thursday’s practice. Up against the Nuggets with Jokic and Gordon, we’ll see if the Californians’ hard work pays off.
Match Results: Los Angeles Lakers
Denver: depleted bench depth
Denver also approached the preseason with an experimental mindset. Jokic, Murray, and Gordon saw limited minutes in their final outing against the Clippers (110-122), and while they're expected to suit up in Los Angeles, their workload will likely remain restricted. Nikola continues to be Denver’s primary weapon - even in just 15-20 minutes on the floor, his court vision and ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates are unrivaled across the league.
DeRozan is the new face within Denver’s system. As one of the marquee summer signings, his partnership with the second unit is already bearing fruit: both Straughter and DeRozan have been sharing shooting duties. However, with Straughter currently sidelined, the newcomer will be asked to shoulder even more responsibility. The Nuggets’ main concern is their perimeter depth. With Straughter and Jones out injured, the club’s supply of perimeter shooters is thin. If the Lakers manage to lock down the paint and force Colorado’s team to settle for outside shots, Denver could find themselves in trouble.
Match Results: Denver Nuggets
Total Points Prediction
In head-to-head matchups, the Lakers average 110.9 points per game, while Denver post 114. Over their last ten outings, the Lakers have managed just 99.5 points on average (97.2 at home), whereas the Nuggets have put up 104.5 per game (slightly higher on the road at 104.6). It's worth noting that the total has stayed under 230.5 in each of the Lakers’ last five games. With that in mind, backing under 230.5 points at odds of 1.74 looks like a well-founded prediction.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The Lakers have navigated the entire preseason without fielding their strongest lineup, but now they finally get the opportunity to unleash their optimal starting five. Meanwhile, Denver lose Strouder at the worst possible time, leaving them with a thinner rotation just as the action heats up in California. The difference between a team that's finally put all the pieces together and an opponent lacking depth clearly tips the scales in favor of the hosts. This is Redick's last chance to see his preferred starters in action before the regular season tips off, and Los Angeles will be fired up. We're backing the Lakers to cover the -4 spread.
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Betting Tips: Los Angeles Lakers - Denver Nuggets
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