Who's Playing

Denver @ Los Angeles

Current Records: Denver 12-8; Los Angeles 16-6

What to Know

The Los Angeles Lakers will be returning home after a seven-game road trip. After a few days' rest for both teams, they and the Denver Nuggets will meet up at 10 p.m. ET Feb. 4 at Staples Center. The Lakers are out to stop a three-game streak of losses at home.

Los Angeles beat the Atlanta Hawks 107-99 on Monday. Los Angeles' small forward LeBron James did his thing and had 21 points and nine assists along with seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, while not quite a landslide, the contest between Denver and the Utah Jazz on Sunday was still a pretty decisive one as Denver wrapped it up with a 128-117 victory at home. Center Nikola Jokic was a one-man wrecking crew for Denver, posting a double-double on 47 points and 12 boards in addition to five dimes. That makes it nine consecutive games in which Jokic has had at least ten rebounds. Jokic's points were the most he has had all year.

The Lakers are the favorite in this one, with an expected 5-point margin of victory. Those playing the odds have seen things go back and forth with Los Angeles, who are 11-11 against the spread.

Los Angeles was able to grind out a solid win over Denver when the two teams previously met in September of last year, winning 117-107. Los Angeles' victory shoved Denver out of the playoffs, so they have a target on their back.

How To Watch

  • When: Thursday at 10 p.m. ET
  • Where: Staples Center -- Los Angeles, California
  • TV: TNT
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Lakers are a 5-point favorite against the Nuggets, according to the latest NBA odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Lakers as a 5.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -109

See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Los Angeles have won 12 out of their last 23 games against Denver.

  • Sep 26, 2020 - Los Angeles 117 vs. Denver 107
  • Sep 24, 2020 - Los Angeles 114 vs. Denver 108
  • Sep 22, 2020 - Denver 114 vs. Los Angeles 106
  • Sep 20, 2020 - Los Angeles 105 vs. Denver 103
  • Sep 18, 2020 - Los Angeles 126 vs. Denver 114
  • Aug 10, 2020 - Los Angeles 124 vs. Denver 121
  • Feb 12, 2020 - Los Angeles 120 vs. Denver 116
  • Dec 22, 2019 - Denver 128 vs. Los Angeles 104
  • Dec 03, 2019 - Los Angeles 105 vs. Denver 96
  • Mar 06, 2019 - Denver 115 vs. Los Angeles 99
  • Nov 27, 2018 - Denver 117 vs. Los Angeles 85
  • Oct 25, 2018 - Los Angeles 121 vs. Denver 114
  • Mar 13, 2018 - Los Angeles 112 vs. Denver 103
  • Mar 09, 2018 - Denver 125 vs. Los Angeles 116
  • Dec 02, 2017 - Denver 115 vs. Los Angeles 100
  • Nov 19, 2017 - Los Angeles 127 vs. Denver 109
  • Mar 13, 2017 - Denver 129 vs. Los Angeles 101
  • Jan 31, 2017 - Los Angeles 120 vs. Denver 116
  • Jan 17, 2017 - Denver 127 vs. Los Angeles 121
  • Mar 25, 2016 - Denver 116 vs. Los Angeles 105
  • Mar 02, 2016 - Denver 117 vs. Los Angeles 107
  • Dec 22, 2015 - Los Angeles 111 vs. Denver 107
  • Nov 03, 2015 - Denver 120 vs. Los Angeles 109