The Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Denver Nuggets on April 20, at 8:30 p.m. ET for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. The game will take place at Ball Arena in Denver and will be broadcast on ABC. This matchup features two Western Conference teams, with the Nuggets hosting the Lakers. Betting odds have the Nuggets favored by 7.5 points with an over/under set at 224.0.
Lakers vs. Nuggets pregame odds for Game 1 on Saturday
The upcoming game between the Lakers and the Nuggets is drawing attention from bettors, with sportsbooks offering various NBA betting odds. Bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars have set lines that highlight the Nuggets as the favorites at home. The point spread and over/under totals are closely matched across Ohio sportsbooks, indicating a competitive matchup in this NBA Playoffs Game 1 showdown.
- Bet365: Nuggets -7, over/under 224
- BetMGM: Nuggets -7.5, over/under 224
- Caesars: Nuggets -7, over/under 224
- BetRivers: Nuggets -7.5, over/under 224
Odds are subject to change and may vary between sportsbooks for the Lakers vs. Nuggets.
Lakers vs. Nuggets projected starting lineups for Saturday
Lakers projected starting lineup
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: Rui Hachimura
- PF: LeBron James
- C: Anthony Davis
Nuggets projected starting lineup
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokic
Projected starting lineups & injuries for each team are provided by Sportsdata.
Lakers vs. Nuggets injuries for Game 1
Lakers: Christian Wood (PF) is out with a knee injury since Feb 21, impacting the team’s frontcourt depth. Jarred Vanderbilt (SF)has also been out due to a foot injury since Feb 2. Cam Reddish (SF) is questionable with an ankle injury as of Apr 16, potentially affecting the Lakers’ wing rotation. Jalen Hood-Schifino (PG) out with a back injury since Mar 21, thinning the guard options.
Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar (SF) out with a knee injury since Aug 5, limiting wing depth. Collin Gillespie (PG) is questionable with a knee injury as of Apr 13, possibly impacting backcourt rotations.
Team standings & stats for Saturday’s game
Team stats and season averages are essential for NBA fans and bettors looking to gauge the potential impact of key players in the upcoming Lakers vs. Nuggets game. With key players expected to be out for both teams, fans can look to the team’s overall data to predict the game’s outcome. While the Magic vs. Cavaliers Game 1 is the first on Saturday’s docket, the Lakers take on the Nuggets as the final faceoff of the day.
Los Angeles Lakers team stats & standings
The Los Angeles Lakers, with a current record of 47-35, are positioned 7th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Pacific Division. Their recent games show a strong performance, winning against the Pelicans and Grizzlies, scoring 124 and 123 points respectively. Key season stats for bettors and fans include:
- Points per game: 118.0
- Points allowed per game: 117.4
- FG%: 49.9
- 3PT%: 37.7
- Rebounds per game: 43.1
- Assists per game: 28.5
Denver Nuggets team stats & standings
The Denver Nuggets stand with 57-25, securing the 2nd spot in the Western Conference and 2nd in the Northwest Division. Their performance in recent games includes a victory over the Grizzlies and a loss to the Spurs, with points scored at 126 and 120 respectively. Season stats important for NBA betting odds include:
- Points per game: 114.8
- Points allowed per game: 109.6
- FG%: 49.6
- 3PT%: 37.4
- Rebounds per game: 44.4
- Assists per game: 29.5
Player Stats for Lakers vs. Nuggets
As the Lakers and Nuggets prepare to face off, betting enthusiasts and NBA fans are keenly analyzing player performances. LeBron James and Nikola Jokic, both leading their respective teams, are expected to make significant impacts in this upcoming game. Their recent stats and season averages are crucial for understanding potential game outcomes and setting betting odds.
Lakers leaders ahead of Saturday’s game
LeBron James and Anthony Davis showcased exceptional performances in their last game, hinting at a strong showing in the upcoming match. Here are the top five performers from the Lakers’ Tuesday win against the New Orleans Pelicans:
- LeBron James (SF): 28 PTS, 11 RBS, 17 ASTS
- Anthony Davis (C): 30 PTS, 11 RBS, 3 ASTS
- Austin Reaves (SG): 20 PTS, 1 RBS, 2 ASTS
- D’Angelo Russell (PG): 19 PTS, 1 RBS, 4 ASTS
- Rui Hachimura (PF): 11 PTS, 7 RBS, 4 ASTS
Season leaders for the Lakers:
- Anthony Davis: 24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 3.5 APG
- LeBron James: 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.3 APG
- D’Angelo Russell: 18.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.3 APG
- Austin Reaves: 15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.5 APG
- Rui Hachimura: 13.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
Nuggets leaders ahead of Saturday’s game
Nikola Jokic continues to be a dominant force for the Nuggets, with support from Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Their performances are key indicators of the team’s strategy and success in the upcoming game. Here are the top five Nuggets from Sunday’s win against Memphis:
- Nikola Jokic (C): 15 PTS, 15 RBS, 5 ASTS
- Jamal Murray (PG): 21 PTS, 6 RBS, 4 ASTS
- Christian Braun (SG): 19 PTS, 10 RBS, 5 ASTS
- Aaron Gordon (PF): 15 PTS, 5 RBS, 5 ASTS
- Michael Porter Jr. (SF): 12 PTS, 5 RBS, 4 ASTS
After winning Games 1 and 2, the Nuggets play the Lakers in Game 3 and have the chance to take control of the series. Season leaders for the Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokic: 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.0 APG
- Michael Porter Jr.: 16.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG
- Jamal Murray: 21.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.5 APG
- Aaron Gordon: 13.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.5 APG
- Christian Braun: 7.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.6 APG
