LA Lakers (49-37) vs Denver Nuggets (59-25)
Game Info: Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8:30 pm (Crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: LA Lakers / Denver Nuggets --- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Denver Nuggets and LA Lakers meet Saturday in Game 4 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 complete the sweep and reach the second round of the playoffs for the fifth time in the last 6 years. The Denver Nuggets are averaging 109 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 102.3 points on 49 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 27.7 points and 15.7 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 21.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 11 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 26.9 percent from beyond the arc and 86.7 percent from the free throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.3 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers need a win here to save their season and force a game 5 on Monday. The LA Lakers are averaging 102.3 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 109 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 32.3 points and 13.3 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 26.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and D’Angelo Russell is grabbing 3 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 30.2 percent from beyond the arc and 79.6 percent from the free throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 26.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38.7 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers Injury Report
Vlatko Cancar remains out for the season with a knee injury. The Nuggets have a questionable Collin Gillespie and Reggie Jackson. Considering Jackson was in a walking boot and on crutches, I’d assume he’s going to miss game 4 with an ankle injury. The Lakers will continue to be without Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jarred Vanderbilt. Cam Reddish is questionable with an ankle injury, and he hasn’t played in 11 days.
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
As I've said in previous write-ups, the Lakers just run out of gas against the Nuggets. Despite losing 11 straight games against the Nuggets, the Lakers have played with Denver and had massive leads in the majority of those losses. The second half arrives, and the Lakers just fall apart. We saw it in game 2, and we saw it on Thursday in game 3. The Lakers can't play 48 minute against the Nuggets. It also doesn't help that D’Angelo Russell can't make a shot and was benched in game 3 which led to him sitting at the end of the bench and no longer engaged. It feels like the Lakers know their fate given the one-sided history and are just ready for the season to end. I'll lay the bucket with the Nuggets as they continue their dominance over the Lakers.
Randy’s Pick Denver Nuggets -3
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter @WizardOf0dds