The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Western Conference clash, marking the fourth and final regular-season encounter between the two teams. Given their recent playoff history, a postseason rematch wouldn’t surprise anyone.
The Nuggets have been a persistent obstacle for the Lakers in recent playoffs, eliminating them in consecutive seasons. However, the Lakers’ roster has undergone significant changes, most notably the acquisition of Luka Dončić. Dončić, who arrived in a surprising trade on February 1st, has become the team’s cornerstone, expected to lead them for the next decade. Despite his importance, he entered the game on the injury report, along with Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokić.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Marred By Injury
Dončić was listed with a right ankle sprain, while Jokić was dealing with elbow and ankle issues. Dončić was ultimately upgraded to available and started the game, while Jokić was initially listed as questionable, but ESPN insider Tim MacMahon reported that the Nuggets were “leaning against” playing both Jokić and Jamal Murray. LeBron James has already been ruled out for this game with a groin strain.
Dončić, playing his 16th game as a Laker, aimed to even the season series. A victory in this game would have significant implications for playoff seeding. The Nuggets entered the game as the No. 3 seed with a 44-25 record, while the Lakers held the No. 4 seed with a 42-25 record. The Lakers were home underdogs with a -2.5 spread.
In their previous two meetings this season, Dončić averaged 28.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.5 steals against the Nuggets. Jokić, in three games against the Lakers, averaged 24.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.