In many ways it felt like the Nuggets game 3 victory over the Lakers to go up 3-0 was the end of the series. And for all intents and purposes, that’s most likely true. But we did see a team come back from down 0-3 to force a game 7 last season, and in the NBA playoffs, anything can happen.
While a complete comeback is as unlikely as it gets, this is still an important game as the Nuggets want to take care of business as quickly as they can and rest up for the next round. Part of that has to do with the ankle sprain suffered by backup point guard Reggie Jackson in game 3.
Reggie Jackson struggled to put weight on his left ankle after an accidental collision with Anthony Davis while fighting for a rebound.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 26, 2024
Hope he's okay 🙏pic.twitter.com/VDePyollh2
Jackson was seen in a walking boot and crutches on Friday and his status for game 4 and beyond is in doubt. Jackson has been a key reserve for Denver as the lead ballhandler off the bench. The Nuggets can certainly get by without him, but his absence would force Michael Malone to change his lineups a bit.
The Lakers were expecting to get a couple of key reserves of their own back for game 3 in Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood but both ended up being ruled out. Now it seems like no sure thing either player will return at all this series, and on top of that, Anthony Davis’ status has been downgraded.
Lakers injury report
As has been the case in every game so far, LeBron James is listed as ‘Probable’ (ankle), and barring something crazy he will be suiting up and playing. The more interesting subplot is that Davis is on the report with a new injury to his wrist and is now listed as ‘Questionable’. The Lakers haven’t had much hope against the Nuggets, but they are dead in the water if AD can’t play.
Christian Wood (knee) is also ‘Questionable’ for game 3 while Cam Reddish (ankle), Jalen Hood-Schifino (lumbar disc), and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) remain ‘Out’ for what may be the Lakers’ last game of the season.
Nuggets injury report
The big change for the Nuggets is that Reggie Jackson is now listed as ‘Questionable’ with his sprained ankle. If Jackson can’t go it’ll likely mean more ballhandling duties for Justin Holiday and Christian Braun off the bench and possibly some different rotations to stagger Jamal Murray and KCP.
Betting odds
The Nuggets are 3.5-point favorites to close out yet another sweep and the game’s total is set at 218.5 points.