NBA schedule: Lakers’ defense lets Nuggets go for 119, Celtics survive in OT in SLC

The Nuggets also sit in fifth place in the tough Western Conference, but they’ve lost four of their last six heading into the bout with Los Angeles. Denver has given up 115.7 points in its last three losses.

If the Lakers want a statement win, now would be the time. And if the Nuggets want to get back on track, protecting their home court against a hot team would remedy their situation.