The 2024 NBA Playoffs features a must-see matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, the defending champions in a Western Conference first-round series.
The Los Angeles Lakers earned a seventh seed bid to the playoffs and now shift their focus to seeking redemption after being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals series. LeBron James has been leading the Lakers in scoring, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Anthony Davis has also contributed significantly to the Lakers’ success, with 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game going into the playoffs.
The 2023 NBA Champions finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference with a record of 57-25. Nikola Jokic continues to have an impressive performance, which kept him in the running for the MVP award throughout the season, with an average of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.
2024 NBA playoffs: First-round schedule, times, TV info, key stats, who to watch
West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets predictions
NBA: Nuggets in four
Michael C. Wright writes: “Jokic averaged a triple-double against Davis last year in the playoffs, and there’s no reason to expect a dropoff this time. Los Angeles lacks depth and the firepower in the starting group to keep up with Denver’s experienced core. The Nuggets finished the 2022-23 regular season in a slump. They enter this postseason rolling. This won’t be close.”
The Oklahoman: Denver, 4-1
Justin Martinez writes: “Los Angeles is playing its best basketball of the season. But it still hasn’t discovered a winning formula against Denver, which has won the last eight meetings. On defense, the Nuggets can make life difficult for LeBron James by throwing Aaron Gordon at him. On offense, their two-man game of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray is virtually unstoppable. Los Angeles will take a game this time, but Denver will still prevail.”
Sporting News: Nuggets in six games
Gilbert McGregor write: “The Lakers are healthier and have enough momentum to take a game or two off of the Nuggets. Denver, however, is still too good, a fact that begins with Jokic’s greatness. The way things fall in line after the Joker is where the series will be decided — more on that momentarily.”
West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets betting lines, odds
The Denver Nuggets are favored to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, according to the BetMGM odds.
- Spread: Denver (-7.5); Los Angeles (+7.5)
- Moneyline: Denver (-275); Los Angeles (+225)
- Total Over/Under: 223.5
- Series Winner: Nuggets (-350); Lakers (+275)
Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.
West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets schedule
| Games | Location | Date/Time | TV/Streaming |
| Game 1 | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado | Saturday, April 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN+ |
| Game 2 | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado | Monday, April 22 at 10 p.m. ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 3 | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California | Thursday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 4 | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California | Saturday, April 27 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN+ |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado | Monday, April 29 | TBD |
| Game 6(If necessary) | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California | Thursday, May 2 | TBD |
| Game 7(If necessary) | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado | Saturday, May 4 | TBD |
How to watch: Catch all the NBA Play-In Tournament action on ESPN+
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