Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/04/2024, 04:59  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Denver Nuggets head to the Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers in game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The visitors are in a commanding position, currently leading the series 2-0. 

The Denver Nuggets staged an incredible comeback, erasing a 20-point deficit to secure a Game 2 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. With a 2-0 series lead heading to Los Angeles, the Nuggets extended their winning streak against the Lakers to 10 games, dating back to last year's Western Conference Finals. While Jamal Murray's game-winning jumper rightfully garnered attention, Nikola Jokic made NBA history with his performance on Monday. He recorded 27 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals, becoming the first player ever to achieve this stat line in a playoff game. Jokic's exceptional season averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists per game highlight his outstanding contribution to the team's success. The Nuggets as a team have been efficient at scoring, averaging 114.9 points per game with a 49.6% shooting accuracy. Additionally, their proficiency from beyond the arc, shooting at a 37.4% rate, further solidifies their reputation as a formidable offensive unit.

The Lakers' loss in Game 2 was a bitter disappointment, especially considering their strong performance for most of the game. However, it followed a familiar pattern in their previous matchups against Denver, where they struggled in critical moments. Anthony Davis posted an impressive 32 points and 11 rebounds but struggled in the final 22 minutes, contributing only two points. LeBron James added 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell showcased his sharpshooting with six of his seven 3-pointers in the first half, finishing with 23 points. Despite the loss, the Lakers have demonstrated remarkable momentum throughout the season, outscoring the Denver Nuggets on average with 118 points per game. Both teams boast impressive field goal percentages, with the Lakers holding a slight edge at 49.9%, just 0.1 percentage points ahead of Denver. Additionally, they have ave slightly better proficiency in three-point shooting (37.7%).