The Denver Nuggets will be in the national spotlight yet again on Saturday night as they hit the road to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. This marquee matchup and Western Conference Finals rematch will take place at 6:30 pm MT on ABC.
The Nuggets swept the Lakers last year on their way to the title, but many so-called “experts” and “pundits” (AKA the biased, Laker-loving media) keep insisting that it was the closest sweep in NBA history. At this point, it has become a bit of a punchline, but I imagine the Nuggets are well aware of this narrative, and take a little extra joy in beating the Lakers like a drum.
Denver has already taken the first two meetings in the season series, winning at home 119-107 back in October, then going on the road to beat them 114-106 less than a month ago. If the Nuggets can pull out the win Saturday night, they’ll have followed up the WCF sweep with a regular season sweep.
But this one could prove tougher than usual for Denver, as the Lakers have been playing well lately - especially at home, and seem to be ramping up for a playoff push. On top of that the Nuggets are fairly banged up, which could make things difficult. But both teams come into the game with lengthy injury reports.
Nuggets injury report
The big news for the Nuggets is that Jamal Murray is listed as ‘Questionable’ with an ankle sprain. It would be a bit of a surprise if he plays, but the fact that he’s even questionable is excellent news for the Nuggets after his scary fall and exit against the Heat.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is also listed as ‘Questionable’ for personal reasons. So there’s a genuine chance that the Nuggets will have to take on the Lakers without their starting backcourt.
Lakers injury report
The Lakers have a crowded injury report, themselves. Anthony Davis (achilles) and Cam Reddish (ankle) are both listed as ‘Probable’ and expected to play. LeBron James (ankle) is listed as questionable. James and Davis have been on the injury report most nights, but have generally been playing.
Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Gabe Vincent (knee), Christian Wood (knee), and Colin Castleton (wrist) have all been ruled ‘Out’ for Saturday night. The Nuggets are currently listed as 1.5-point road favorites. This should be a good one.