PRO BASKETBALL — February 5

DENVER at L.A. LAKERS
(Lakers -8.5, Total 199.5) — [private] The Lakers, as expected, had a rough time of it against Charlotte on Wednesday. Now they stay home to face a Nuggets team that has allowed 109 points in back-to-back games, is missing its leading scorer (Carmelo Anthony) and has covered three of its last 12 road games. The Staples Center has been a particular wasteland for Denver, which is on a 4-14 ATS run on the Lakers’ home floor. Here the Lakers take advantage of the opportunity for payback, as they suffered a humiliating 105-79 defeat at the Pepsi Center in the only meeting this season (November 13). Kobe Bryant is trying extra hard to do whatever it takes to play, despite having a bad ankle.

THE PLAY: L.A. LAKERS -8.5 ****

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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