The Los Angeles Lakers upset the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in game on Tuesday night, capitalizing on Zion Williamson’s late-game injury. Even if the Lakers win their contest to advance to the playoffs, they will face the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets, who have a 3-0 regular season record against them.
Despite their dismal skid versus Dever and last season’s sweep in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers will go into this series with full confidence in their talents. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have history on their side, as the Lakers have won 25 of 37 playoff games versus the Nuggets. While Nikola Jokic has made the Nuggets the best team in franchise history, it is not a given that Denver will win the series, and this in-depth study will break down the contest.
The Denver Nuggets’ starting lineup is well-balanced in terms of scoring and defense. Jamal Murray, a playoff star, demonstrated his scoring talents last season by averaging 26.1 points per game in the playoffs, and he has a significant advantage over the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell at point guard. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a starting-caliber two-way shooting guard, complements Denver’s lineup by offering good defense and perimeter shooting (40.6% 3-point FG).
Michael Porter Jr. has a 39.7% three-point shooting percentage this season. His ability to make shots when Nikola Jokic passes the ball will be critical to the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency. Aaron Gordon emerged as Denver’s best defender last season and will be critical in limiting LeBron James.
However, Jokic is the Nuggets’ clear superstar, having won Finals MVP last year. He averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists per game against the Lakers last year and will undoubtedly be the Nuggets’ main player in this clash.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup features both strengths and weaknesses. D’Angelo Russell, while not matching Murray’s playoff heroics, shot 41.5% from three during the regular season. For the Lakers to have a chance, Russell must sustain his shooting accuracy throughout the series.
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