LA Lakers (49-37) vs Denver Nuggets (59-25)
Game Info: Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00 pm (Crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: LA Lakers -108 / Denver Nuggets -112 --- Over/Under: 216.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Denver Nuggets and LA Lakers meet Thursday in Game 3 West First Round NBA Playoffs action at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers prediction.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets look to take complete control of this series with a win and a 3-0 lead. The Denver Nuggets are averaging 107.5 points on 45.3 percent shooting and allowing 101 points on 49 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.5 points and 16 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 21 points and 4.5 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 9 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 30.3 percent from beyond the arc and 87 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers need a win here to have any real chance of winning this series. The LA Lakers are averaging 101 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 107.5 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 32 points and 12.5 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 6.5 points and 7 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 5 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and 84.4 percent from the free throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 30.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Injury Report
Vlatko Cancar hasn’t played since November and will continue to be out for the Nuggets, while Collin Gillespie is questionable with a knee injury. Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jarred Vanderbilt will continue to be out for the Lakers. Cam Reddish has been ruled out as well for the Lakers with an ankle injury. While LeBron James has an ankle issue and Anthony Davis has a banged up back, the Lakers stars are both listed as probable for game 3.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Rui Hachimura ranks 4th amongst qualified Forwards for 3P% (42.2%) this season.
- D'Angelo Russell ranks 17th amongst qualified players for assists per game (6.3) this season.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic is one of only two qualified players in the league averaging at least 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season.
- Jamal Murray ranks 10th amongst qualified players for 3P% (42.5%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.2).
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (93.7).
- The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (31.2).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (26.5).
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers prediction
I'd love for the Lakers to win and make a series of this, but at some point they have to prove they can play 48 minutes against the Nuggets. The Nuggets have won 10 straight games against the Lakers and have covered 7 of those games. The cray part is the Lakers have had massive leads in a lot of those games against the Nuggets, and somehow they've lost every one of them. Game 2 was probably the worst, as the Lakers were comfortably in control and still collapsed, losing on the last shot. The Lakers have the talent to push the Nuggets, but they have yet to prove they can finish games. It's a problem. I don't trust the Lakers.
Give me the Nuggets and the free point.
Randy’s Pick Denver Nuggets +1
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
