Nuggets vs Lakers Game 3 NBA Preview (4/25/24): Odds, Prediction, Lineups & Injuries

Written By Editorial Team on April 25, 2024 - Last Updated on April 29, 2024
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Lakers Nuggets Game 35Preview

The Denver Nuggets are set to play the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at 10:00 p.m. ET today at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game is airing on TNT and features closely matched NBA odds with the Lakers odds at -112 and the Nuggets odds at -108. The point spread is -1.0 in favor of LA with an over/under of 216.5. The Nuggets lead the series 2-0 after winning the first two games in Denver.

Nuggets vs. Lakers pregame odds for Game 3 tonight

NBA odds for tonight’s game between the Nuggets and the Lakers indicate a closely contested game. Sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel show slight variations in moneyline and point spreads, reflecting the competitive nature of this matchup. Nuggets odds and Lakers odds are closely matched across different platforms, with the over/under points suggesting a game that could swing in either direction at Ohio sports betting apps.

  • Bet365: Nuggets +1.0, over/under 216.5
  • BetMGM: Nuggets +1.5, over/under 216.5
  • Caesars: Nuggets PK, over/under 216.5
  • BetRivers: Nuggets +1.0, over/under 216.5

Odds are subject to change and may vary between sportsbooks for the Nuggets vs Lakers.

Nuggets vs Lakers Game 3 prediction

Denver has been on quite the heater against the Lakers. After a miraculous win in Game 2 on a game-winning shot by Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have won 10 straight games against LA. Look for that to continue tonight in Game 3. And the main is Nikola Jokic.

The soon-to-be three-time NBA MVP has been the player in this series and the main reason Denver has a 2-0 lead. After a huge win, the Nuggets will carry that momentum to Game 3 and take a commanding lead against LA. The key for Denver is how it plays defensively. If the Nuggets keep that intensity up tonight, they should easily cover the spread.

Nuggets vs Lakers prediction: Nuggets +1.0

Nuggets vs Lakers projected starting lineups for Game 3

Denver Nuggets projected starting lineups tonight

  • PG: Jamal Murray
  • SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • SF: Michael Porter Jr.
  • PF: Aaron Gordon
  • C: Nikola Jokic

LA Lakers projected starting lineups tonight

  • PG: D’Angelo Russell
  • SG: Austin Reaves
  • PF: Rui Hachimura
  • SF: LeBron James (game-time decision)
  • C: Anthony Davis (game-time decision)

Projected lineups and injuries are pulled from Sportsdata.

Lakers vs Nuggets injuries for Game 3

Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar (SF) is out due to a knee injury that he’s had since Aug. 5, but that’s the lone injury for Denver heading into Game 3.

Lakers: Key injuries include Christian Wood (PF) out with a knee injury since Feb 21, and Jarred Vanderbilt (SF) out due to a foot injury since Feb 2. Cam Reddish (SF) also is out with an ankle injury since April 16. Anthony Davis (100) and LeBron James (SF) are listed as probable with back and ankle injuries respectively, but both should play in Game 3 tonight.

Team standings & stats for tonight’s Game 3

The Nuggets take a 2-0 series lead against the Lakers as the playoff matchup shifts to Los Angeles. Here’s where the teams stand in with the stats.

Denver Nuggets team stats and standings ahead of tonight’s Game 3

The Denver Nuggets ended the regular season with a record of 57-25, to get them the second spot in the Western Conference and second in the Northwest Division. This places them as a strong contender in the NBA, reflecting positively on Nuggets odds for upcoming games. Denver won Game 1 against the Lakers and Game 2 on a last-second, game-winning shot by Jamal Murray. The team’s performance metrics include:

  • Points per game: 114.8
  • Points allowed per game: 109.6
  • FG%: 49.6
  • 3PT%: 37.4
  • Assists per game: 29.5
  • Rebounds per game: 44.4

Los Angeles Lakers Team Standings and Stats

The Los Angeles Lakers ended the regular season with a record of 47l-35, ranking them seventh in the Western Conference and third in the Pacific Division. This positioning impacts Lakers odds for the next matchups, as well as trailing the series 2-0. Their season stats are noteworthy:

  • Points per game: 118.0
  • Points allowed per game: 117.4
  • FG%: 49.9
  • 3PT%: 37.7
  • Assists per game: 28.5
  • Rebounds per game: 43.1

Player stats for Nuggets vs. Lakers before Game 3

With the Nuggets and Lakers gearing up for tight Game 3, NBA odds suggest a closely contested game. Key players from both teams are expected to make significant impacts based on their recent performances and season averages, potentially swaying the Lakers odds and Nuggets odds in this upcoming game.

Denver Nuggets leaders ahead of tonight’s game

Nikola Jokic continues to be a dominant force for the Nuggets, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board.

  • Nikola Jokic (C): 27 PTS, 20 RBS, 10 ASTS
  • Michael Porter Jr. (SF): 22 PTS, 9 RBS, 1 AST
  • Jamal Murray (PG): 20 PTS, 3 RBS, 5 ASTS
  • Aaron Gordon (PF): 14 PTS, 7 RBS, 3 ASTS
  • Christian Braun (SG): 10 PTS, 2 RBS, 0 ASTS

The Nuggets won Game 3, and now have a shot to close out the Lakers in Game 5 on Monday. Season performance highlights the depth and versatility of the Nuggets roster:

  • Nikola Jokic (C): 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.0 APG
  • Jamal Murray (PG) 21.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.5 APG
  • Michael Porter Jr. (SF):16.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG
  • Aaron Gordon (PF): 13.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.5 APG
  • Reggie Jackson (PG): 10.2 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 3.8 APG

LA Lakers leaders ahead of tonight’s game

Anthony Davis and LeBron James are key to the Lakers’ performance, with their ability to dominate both ends of the floor.

  • Anthony Davis (C): 32 PTS, 11 RBS, 2 ASTS
  • LeBron James (SF): 26 PTS, 8 RBS, 12 ASTS
  • D’Angelo Russell (PG): 23 PTS, 3 RBS, 6 ASTS
  • Austin Reaves (SG): 9 PTS, 6 RBS, 2 ASTS
  • Taurean Prince (PF): 6 PTS, 3 RBS, 0 ASTS

The Lakers’ season stats underscore the experience and skill set of their roster:

  • LeBron James (SF): 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.3 APG
  • Anthony Davis (C): 24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 3.5 APG
  • D’Angelo Russell (PG): 18.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.3 APG
  • Austin Reaves (SG): 15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.5 APG
  • Rui Hachimura (PF): 13.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
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