Ryley's Daily Basketball Pick: April 3rd

The Lakers are running out of chances to make a playoff push. They host Denver Nuggets at 3:30 eastern time.

The Nuggets have covered one out of their last five games and four out of their last ten. The Lakers have covered two out of their last five and four out of their last ten. Denver is 1-4 ATS in their last five trips to Los Angeles. This Lakers team has not lived up to their expectations fighting for a spot at the postseason making this a must win game.

The Lakers have been better at home winning 20 out of their 31 victories on their home court. The Nuggets defense has been struggling ranking them in the bottom five in the league. Over the last ten games Russell Westbrook has averaged 19.6 points, 7 assists, and 7.1 rebounds shooting 48% from the floor and 38% behind the arc. Westbrook will need to continue his recent success if the Lakers want any shot at making the playoffs. The Lakers should be able to take advantage of the lack of depth Denver has. With their backs against the wall, in a must win scenario at home I believe the Lakers find a way to get this one done. I expect the Lakers to win outright but I will take the points for safety. My pick Los Angeles Lakers +2.5