The Los Angeles Lakers will play the Denver Nuggets for the third time this season. They scored their first win against Nikola Jokic and Co. to break their 0-5 shackles and have worked their way up to 11-16 ever since.
And in the midst of all the trade chatter surrounding them, Los Angeles will host the Nuggets, who are placed third in the West with a 17-10 run. They come on the back of a three-game winning streak, with Jokic putting up a 43-point masterclass against the Washington Wizards in their last game.
For the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been the driving forces, and they even nailed a near-perfect game against the Boston Celtics, which eventually ended in an overtime 122-118 heartbreak.
With this, the major question as they gear up against the Nuggets is if the duo can find some help coming in from any of the players on the roster. Jokic and Jamal Murray’s chemistry puts Denver at an advantage as they look to exploit the Lakers’ shooting woes and size issues.
On that note, we take a look at the probable starting five from both sides, the injury report, and the predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers will be without Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle). The good news, though, will be the likely participation of James and Davis despite being listed as probable in the injury list. Both players have gutted through their ankle and back issues, respectively, and will look to aid the Purple and Gold’s aim to hit the .500 mark before the end of the year.
Expect the side to field the same unit as they did against Boston. Patrick Beverley (G), Dennis Schroder (G), Lonnie Walker IV (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C) will be the starting five.
Denver Nuggets Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
ESPN’s updated injury report lists Michael Porter Jr. (heel) as out for the Friday clash. The game against Washington makes it the tenth game he has missed for the Nuggets, although he has been taking part in mild practice. The rest of the unit will be available to take that floor.
The Nuggets are unlikely to change their starting lineup from their previous game against the Wizards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), Jamal Murray (G), Bruce Brown (F), Aaron Gordon (F), and Nikola Jokic (C) will be the starters on the hardwood.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Match Prediction
The two teams square off again after they shared a win each in the four-game regular season series. Both sides have had contrasting runs since then.
The tussle might be on the Lakers’ turf, but the Nuggets come in as firm favorites after their resounding wins, and for good reason. They are first in field goal percentage with Boston and boast the second-highest offensive rating in the league. The only loophole, though, is their defense, and that will be one area the Lakers can exploit.Â
However, their deprived shooting will be a massive concern, especially with all the reliance on their two superstars. It will be a Davis vs. Jokic clash in the paint, and if the former wins, expect the Lakers to get past the Nuggets in this contest. We’re still going with LA to take this win.
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