Nuggets vs Lakers NBA Preseason Prediction and Preview, Oct 16
Preseason, Friday, October 16: the Nuggets take on the Lakers in Los Angeles at 10:30 PM ET.
Price: Lakers 67¢, Nuggets 33¢ (Polymarket, as of Fri 11:19 AM ET)
Kalshi: Lakers 65¢, Nuggets 35¢
Live price and every move: NBA WIRE
What the price says
The market makes the Lakers the favorite at 67¢; the Nuggets are 33¢. Kalshi has the Lakers 2¢ cheaper at 65¢. NBA MARKET keeps both apps side by side.
The Lakers opened at 55¢, so the price has moved 12¢ toward them since. For tonight’s other games, see NBA predictions; today’s board covers every sport.
Who will play, and for how long
Expect the regulars for a stint in each half at most. Late minutes go to rookies and camp invites.
Availability
As of Fri 11:19 AM ET. Expect updates before tip; in preseason, teams often rest healthy players without listing them.
Luka Doncic (Lakers): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 16
Collin Sexton (Lakers): Day-To-Day, lower leg, expected back Oct 16
DeMar DeRozan (Nuggets): Day-To-Day, rest, expected back Oct 16
Ziaire Williams (Lakers): Day-To-Day, foot, expected back Oct 16
Julian Strawther (Nuggets): Day-To-Day, left knee, expected back Oct 16
Spencer Jones (Nuggets): Day-To-Day, not specified hamstring, expected back Oct 22
Cameron Carr (Lakers): Day-To-Day, undisclosed, expected back Oct 16
Adou Thiero (Lakers): Day-To-Day, undisclosed, expected back Oct 16
The rotations, by last season’s numbers
These are 2025-26 numbers on current rosters: a guide to who the regulars are, not to tonight’s minutes.
Nuggets
Nikola Jokic: 34.8 min, 30.4% usage, 27.7 pts, 12.9 reb, 10.7 ast
Jamal Murray: 35.4 min, 27.9% usage, 25.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 7.1 ast
DeMar DeRozan: 31.2 min, 22.8% usage, 18.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.1 ast (new, was SAC)
Christian Braun: 31.8 min, 14.8% usage, 12.0 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.7 ast
Cameron Johnson: 30.5 min, 15.1% usage, 12.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.4 ast
Lakers
Luka Doncic: 35.8 min, 38.1% usage, 33.5 pts, 7.7 reb, 8.3 ast
Austin Reaves: 34.5 min, 26.7% usage, 23.3 pts, 4.7 reb, 5.5 ast
Collin Sexton: 26.0 min, 26.2% usage, 17.5 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.5 ast (new, was CHI)
Quentin Grimes: 29.4 min, 19.0% usage, 13.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.3 ast (new, was PHI)
Jake LaRavia: 25.1 min, 14.4% usage, 8.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.8 ast
FAQ
Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?
Nikola Jokic was not on the injury report as of Fri 11:19 AM ET. That matters less in preseason than who the coach decides to rest. Watch the Nuggets pregame session, 60 to 90 minutes out.
Is Luka Doncic playing tonight?
Luka Doncic is listed as day-to-day (rest) as of Fri 11:19 AM ET. Preseason minutes rarely come from the report, though: the Lakers will say closer to tip, usually in the coach’s pregame session.
Who is favored in Nuggets vs Lakers?
The Lakers are the shorter side, so a win on them pays less per contract than the Nuggets. Both prices sit at the top of this page and update live on NBA WIRE.
When and where is Nuggets vs Lakers?
Friday, October 16, at 10:30 PM ET, in Los Angeles.
Good luck!
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