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The Denver Nuggets and the LA Lakers continued to follow the same script that had been used in the previous two games in Denver. Although the setting has changed, the series has shifted to Hollywood, the pattern and the results have been the same. The Nuggets found another way to beat the Lakers after trailing by double digits.
The Lakers must be frustrated with how things have unraveled for them even in front of their fans. In each of the games in the series, they looked to be fully in control, only to fail in the end due to the visitors’ late-game brilliance. It’s now or never for LeBron James and Co. as another defeat will send them to a long offseason and a summer of uncertainties.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: Preview, prediction and betting tips
Crypto.com Arena will host Game 4 of the showdown between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Lakers. ABC will air the game as it happens while basketball fans can stream the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Nuggets (-170) vs. Lakers (+145)
Spread: Nuggets (-3.5) vs. Lakers (+3.5)
Total (O/U): Nuggets (o218.0 -110) vs. Lakers (u218.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of the writing.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: Game preview
The Denver Nuggets have been doing the Houdini act in each of the three games in the series against the LA Lakers. They trailed by double-digit deficits only to escape with wins behind Nikola Jokic’s end-game poise and control. Aaron Gordon said that the Nuggets don’t want that to be a trend but the defending champs don’t seem to mind. If they can stay within striking distance in the first three quarters, they could bring out the broom in the same manner they did last season.
The LA Lakers seem to be out of ideas in trying to beat the Nuggets. They had LeBron James turning back time and Anthony Davis playing like a top-5 player and it still wasn’t enough. They have one last hurrah and they will have to show it and sustain it for 48 minutes. The Lakers can’t relax for a minute and hope to extend the series.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: Starting lineups, subs and rotations
PF - Aaron Gordon, C - Nikola Jokic, SF - Michael Porter Jr., PG - Jamal Murray and SG - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will start for the Denver Nuggets.
Peyton Watson has earned the sixth-man role for the Nuggets to help put another athletic body against LeBron James. If it’s not him, Christian Braun will likely get the unenviable task.
PG - D’Angelo Russell, SG - Austin Reaves, SF - LeBron James, PF - Rui Hachimura and PF - Anthony Davis will line up for tip-off for the LA Lakers.
Spencer Dinwiddie for Russell might be Darvin Ham’s first move if “D-Lo” continues to struggle against the defending champs. Gabe Vincent is another option to shadow Jamal Murray.
Editor’s Note: These are predicted starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: Betting tips
LeBron James gets a 26.5 over/under points prop on Saturday. “King James,” despite his age, will show up in LA’s must-win game. James will do everything he can to prevent another humiliating sweep at the hands of the Nuggets. He will likely get over his points prop.
Jamal Murray has a 23.5 over/under points prop in Game 4 against the Lakers. “Glitch” has had some big games versus the same opponents over the last few years. He just loves to pile on the Lakers’ misery and will likely score over 23 points.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: Prediction
The Nuggets seemed to have broken the Lakers’ spirit. Los Angeles has done everything it could and yet Denver has an answer to everything the home team can come up with. It will likely be a seesaw battle that will go down the wire. LeBron James will not go down quietly but Nikola Jokic has their number and likely escape with another win.
