Lakers vs Nuggets: Series Preview & Prediction
Lakers vs Nuggets — It’s not the series we thought we’d be getting, but the Lakers and Nuggets appear to be on a collision course for an epic series. On the one hand, LeBron James and the Lakers are firing on all cylinders. Anthony Davis has been playing his best basketball since he helped lead the Lakers to their bubble championship, and all the Lakers’ deadline moves are paying off. Oh, and at age 38, LeBron can still put up 30/9/9 in an elimination game.
Then we have the Denver Nuggets, who are finally healthy. And with his supporting cast intact, 2x-MVP Nikola Jokic has proven he can get the Nuggets deep into the playoffs. In the Game 5 & Game 6 wins, Jokic averaged 30.5 PPG, 12.0 AST, and 11.5 REB. He’s finally answered the question of whether or not he can carry a team in the postseason. In addition to Jokic’s stellar performance, the Nuggets’ depth has been showing up as well. Two teams playing their best basketball – this should be fun.
Lakers vs Nuggets Series Schedule
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 16th – Lakers at Nuggets – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
- Game 2: Thursday, May 18th – Lakers at Nuggets – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
- Game 3: Saturday, May 20th – Nuggets at Lakers – 7:30 pm CT – ABC
- Game 4: Monday, May 22nd – Nuggets at Lakers – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
- Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, May 24th – Lakers at Nuggets – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
- Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, May 26th – Nuggets at Lakers – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
- Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, May 28th – Lakers at Nuggets – 7:30 pm CT – ESPN
Who Is Favored To Win The Series
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Nuggets are currently -155 to win the series while the Lakers are +130.
Keys To The Series
- Can Anthony Davis keep this up? When Anthony Davis is at full strength, he’s one of the best players in the NBA. His problem has been his inability to stay healthy and at full strength in his career. He’s been healthy thus far through the playoffs, and he’s been the main reason why the Lakers are where they are. LeBron is great, and he’s always going to get his. But when AD is at his best, the Lakers have as good of a duo as there is in the NBA. Davis grabbed 20+ boards twice in the Warriors series. He’s got his work cut out for him going against Nikola Jokic, but with how he’s playing at the moment he’s as equipped for that matchup as he’ll ever be.
- The Real MVP? Joel Embiid had a fantastic season, and he deserved the NBA MVP. That said, part of the reason Nikola Jokic didn’t win the award for the third straight season was “Jokic fatigue” and the narrative that Jokice couldn’t get it done in the playoffs. Fast forward a few weeks, Embiid had a brutal Game 7 performance as the 76ers laid an egg and Jokic is playing elite basketball leading his team into the conference final. If Jokic plays his best basketball, the Nuggets will be hard to beat. Can the Lakers slow him down?
- Shooting star. There’s no shortage of star power in this series. Jokic, Davis, and LeBron are all legitimate superstars. Jamal Murray is finally healthy and has a really high ceiling. Can Murray get to that ceiling again? The Lakers were able to contain Steph Curry well, but a lot of that was due to Curry’s supporting cast letting him down. Being the Robin to Jokic’s Batman, can Murray take off as he did in the bubble playoffs? Both of these rosters are very deep. If Jamal Murray is shooting the ball to the best of his capabilities, watch out.
Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction
Both teams are playing great, both teams have some serious star power. Let’s go the distance, but let’s also see LeBron come up short of NBA Championship #5.
Nuggets in 7.
