Lakers-Nuggets Game 2: Preview, Props & Prediction
Mon Apr 22 2:48pm ET
Field Level Media
The Los Angeles Lakers got a fast start from LeBron James, a double-double from Anthony Davis and held Denver to just six free-throw attempts in Game 1 on Saturday.
Yet they still lost by double digits to the reigning NBA champions.
After surviving the James-Davis duo for the 114-103 victory to open the Western Conference first-round series, the Nuggets will try to preserve their home-court edge in Game 2 on Monday night.
TRENDING
Denver is a consensus 7.5-point favorite ahead of Game 2. The line opened at 6.5 points at BetMGM, but shifted a full point with the Nuggets backed by 72 percent of the spread-line total. They have also been backed by 65 percent of the money on the same number at BetRivers.
The Over/Under has stayed steady at 223.5 points at BetMGM, where the Under has drawn 54 percent of the money. Meanwhile, the slightly lower 223.0 total at BetRivers has seen 64 percent of the money back the Over.
Prediction: Desperation time is quickly approaching for the Lakers, who don't want to return home down 0-2 in the series. That may well still happen, but look for Los Angeles to put up a strong 48-minute battle and make Denver work for it. --Nuggets 112, Lakers 109
PROP PICK
Austin Reaves Over 22.5 Points/Rebounds/Assists: This has been the most popular player prop for Game 2 at both sportsbooks, with BetMGM reporting 99 percent of the bets backing the Over at -130 while BetRivers has seen 2.4 percent of all player prop money wagers on the game backing this one at -122.
Reaves had only 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting in Game 1 to go along with four rebounds and three assists. He has averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game (25.7 average total) on the season.
KEY STAT
Denver has beaten Los Angeles nine straight times, dating to the final regular-season game between them in 2022-23.
THE NEWS
Los Angeles didn't have an answer in Game 1 for Nikola Jokic, who finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, despite throwing multiple looks at him.
Rui Hachimura started out defending Jokic, Davis and James also spent time guarding him and the Lakers tried doubling him, but nothing worked. Jokic had no turnovers and two steals in his 39 minutes and was 15-for-23 from the field.
Los Angeles coach Darvin Ham said after the loss there were adjustments he didn't use Saturday night that he will try.
"We didn't want to go too deep into the in-game adjustments. It's still that ultimate chess game," he said. "So we were comfortable with the results. ... If we need to go back to it, it's there."
The Lakers could use more from their bench, which was outscored 17-11 in Game 1, with all of Los Angeles' points coming from Taurean Prince. Getting Christian Wood back from a knee injury would help, especially patrolling the paint, but he isn't expected to return until the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 Thursday night.
The Nuggets don't need to fix much other than getting off to a faster start and hitting more shots. Among the starters, only Michael Porter Jr. (8 of 15) and Jokic hit more than 50 percent of their shots, with Jamal Murray going 9-for-24 from the field, but he still managed to put up 22 points and 10 assists.
"Not just me -- I think we'll all shoot better next game," Murray said.
One thing Denver did well Saturday night -- and in the past five playoff games against Los Angeles -- is contain the Lakers' role players. James and Davis combined for 59 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists in Game 1, but the rest of the team had little impact.
D'Angelo Russell again struggled against the Nuggets' defense, shooting 1-for-9 from 3-point range and 6-for-20 overall in scoring 13 points. It was a continuation of last year's postseason, when Denver swept Los Angeles in the Western Conference finals. Russell was 2-for-15 from long range in the four games and was benched later in Game 4.
The Nuggets can expect a bounce-back game from the Lakers, and a more aggressive James. After scoring 19 points in the first half on Saturday, he had just eight in the second half and didn't attempt a shot in the fourth quarter until the final 1:20.
THEY SAID IT
Denver is impressed at what James is doing in his 21st NBA season.
"I'm 21 years old. He's been playing for as long as I've been alive. I definitely tried to talk to him a little bit, get a feel for him." --Nuggets forward Peyton Watson on James.
- Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama voted unanimous Rookie of the Year
- Wolves C Rudy Gobert (personal) questionable for Game 2
- Mavericks sign coach Jason Kidd to extension
- Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis (calf) focused on playoff return
- Mavericks F Maxi Kleber (shoulder) out at least 3 weeks
- Magic's Gary Harris to play in Game 7, Cavs' Jarrett Allen uncertain
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball picks up $21.3M option
- Former Lakers pick, PG Darius Morris dies at 33
- Mavericks F Maxi Kleber (shoulder) out indefinitely
- Lakers G D'Angelo Russell fined $25K for verbal abuse
- LeBron James favored to stay with Lakers as potential suitors emerge
- Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after 2 seasons
- Clippers F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out for Game 6 vs. Mavs
- Bucks' Damian Lillard upgraded to questionable for Game 6
- Bulls G Alex Caruso collects NBA's Hustle Award
- Sixers owners buy up tickets to block Knicks fans
- Wolves coach Chris Finch expected to be in Denver with team
- Kristaps Porzingis (calf) to miss rest of Heat series
- LeBron James Next Team Odds: Stephen Curry pairing in future?
- Bucks' Doc Rivers: Giannis, Dame 'very, very, very close' to return
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was named the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year on Monday night. This was a no-brainer, with the 20-year-old taking the league by storm in his first year. He was efficient on both ends of the floor, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks. More importantly, he played 71 games, much more than most had anticipated. It's scary to think how much Wembanyama will improve during the offseason, and he'll likely be a top-10 fantasy option in any format for the 2024-25 campaign.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (calf) is good to go for Monday's postseason matchup with Minnesota. Most had assumed he'd be out there. However, Murray struggled in the Game 1 loss on Saturday night, scoring only 17 points and shooting 6-for-14 from the field, so DFS managers have reservations about putting him in their lineups. But the Timberwolves won't have Rudy Gobert (personal), which puts Murray and the rest of the starters in an excellent position to turn things around in Game 2.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (personal) won't play on Monday against the Nuggets. The multi-time Defensive Player of the Year became a father, so he'll take the night off. He finished Game 1 on Saturday night with 13 boards and three blocks while limiting Nikola Jokic to an 11-for-25 shooting performance. But now that Gobert won't be out there, Jokic's DFS stock just increased significantly. His absence also should mean more work and offensive opportunities for guys like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker behind Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee) is probable for Tuesday's matchup against the Thunder. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick had trouble shooting during the previous series versus the Los Angeles Clippers. However, he still averaged nearly a triple-double despite spraining his knee. With that said, Doncic should be out there for Game 1, barring any setbacks. Of course, he's a must-start in DFS contests for those willing to pay his hefty rostering cost.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (rib) is questionable for Tuesday's postseason matchup with Boston. The 26-year-old averaged 17.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the four games he was available during the previous series against Orlando. Unfortunately, he missed the last three contests because of a rib injury. Nonetheless, Allen is progressing, so there's still hope he'll be out there for the series opener. The Cavs could certainly use him versus the best team in the league. However, if Allen misses another contest, Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert should get plenty of work, although neither man is a consistent DFS performer.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (back) will play in Game 1 against the Knicks on Monday. The team has once again upgraded him from questionable to available after listing him on the injury report with lower back spasms. Indiana needs to see Haliburton outduel New York's star guard Jalen Brunson to have a chance in the series. He had a good time against the Knicks during the regular season, averaging 19.7 points and 13.3 assists with 51.2 percent shooting in three games. Haliburton's work in the matchup included an extraordinary 20-20 double-double with a career-high 23 assists on Dec. 30.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George looks set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, George has received multiple contract offers below the max, which he will not accept. The nine-time All-Star has a $48.8 million player option for next season and can become a free agent if he can't agree on an extension with the Clippers before June 30. He is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $221 million contract. If the Clippers can't strike a deal with George, who's likely looking to get his final big contract after turning 34 at the start of May, he would instantly become one of the top available free agents on the market.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is mutual interest between the Orlando Magic and Klay Thompson. The five-time All-Star will become an unrestricted free agent, and Orlando can open up an excess of $60 million in cap space this offseason. Thompson was paid $43.2 million in 2023-24, and the Warriors reportedly offered him a two-year, $48 million extension before the season started. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has indicated that he wants Thompson back for the 2024-25 campaign, but a change of scenery might benefit him. The Magic seem like a great fit for Thompson, as the team badly needs to add some three-point shooting to the squad after ranking last in the league in threes made during the 2023-24 regular season.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton appears set to remain with the team. The 25-year-old is hitting unrestricted free agency this offseason, but sources have indicated to Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily that the team is "very confident" in its ability to re-sign Claxton. Nets general manager Sean Marks said a couple of weeks back that extending Claxton will be Brooklyn's "No. 1 priority" in the offseason. Claxton, who's reportedly set to fetch a contract with a yearly salary of around $25 million, was among the top shot-blockers in the league in 2023-24 with 2.1 swats and averaged a career-high 9.9 rebounds, along with 11.8 points in 29.8 minutes. The team seems to have big plans for him, and at 25 years old, Claxton should have plenty of room to develop.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (personal) has landed on the injury report as questionable ahead of Game 2 against Denver on Monday. He became a father for the first time Monday morning. It's unclear if Gobert manages to travel to Denver in time for tip-off. His absence would push Naz Reid to a more prominent role. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year had a nice start to the second-round series, producing 16 points in a 106-99 victory with four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram isn't expected to be extended by the team this offseason. The 2020 All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million deal. However, it looks like the Pelicans are ready to move on from Ingram, who has one year left to go on his current contract. Ingram, who will be making around $36 million in 2024-25, has enjoyed a solid career in New Orleans, averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across five seasons. But the 26-year-old has battled various injuries, with 64 regular-season appearances in 2023-24 being the most he has managed across a single campaign, and he was a major letdown for the team in the 2024 playoffs.
Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker is expected to exercise his $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Tucker had a miserable time in L.A., making only 30 appearances across the regular season and playoffs. He even requested a trade publically midseason, resulting in a $75k fine from the NBA. However, Tucker is unlikely to fetch a similar salary on the open market, making this a no-brainer decision for the veteran. Considering how things have worked out for him with the Clippers since Tucker arrived in town in the James Harden trade, it would probably suit both sides if they parted ways at the first opportunity.
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has told The Athletic he expects to recover at a "historic rate." The Latvian big man suffered a right soleus strain in Game 4 of the first-round matchup against Miami on April 29. There isn't a specific timeline set for Porzingis' return, and he also said at the weekend that he isn't "super close yet," but Boston is hoping to see him again in the Conference Finals. With Porzingis out, Al Horford is set to play a huge role against Cleveland's well-equipped frontcourt in the second round. The series kicks off on Tuesday.
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz had an efficient 4-for-6 shooting performance while providing eight points off the bench in Sunday's Game 7 loss to the Cavaliers. He finished with eight points across 13 minutes of action, completing his line with one rebound and one steal. Fultz started the season well, but he quickly landed on the shelf with a knee problem, which ended up ruining his campaign. The former first-overall pick was limited to only 48 appearances in the regular season, averaging 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. After being a regular starter throughout his career, the Magic had Fultz in the first unit only 18 times in 2023-24. Fultz had a career year just a season ago, but the 2023-24 campaign leaves quite a few question marks hanging over his head. The 25-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac couldn't provide a spark off the bench as the team's season ended with a Game 7 loss to Cleveland on Sunday. Isaac was back in the second unit following Gary Harris' return to action. He contributed only two points in 18 minutes and had two rebounds with one assist. It was an awful finish to the series from Isaac, who was held scoreless in Game 6. However, he showed his full potential through the first five games of the matchup. The 26-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 21.4 minutes. Isaac is an outstanding defensive presence when he's healthy. In 2023-24, he once again had some injury problems but managed to play in 58 regular-season games, his most since 2018-19.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. made a mark under both baskets in Sunday's Game 7 against Cleveland. He provided 13 points with 5-for-10 shooting and snagged three steals as the Magic's season ended with a 106-94 loss. The big man from Duke, who shot 2-for-4 from outside, also recorded seven rebounds and one assist in 35 minutes. After struggling initially, Carter Jr. had a strong finish to the series. In a sense, it summed up his entire campaign, as the Magic center was fairly inconsistent in 2023-24. Carter Jr. averaged 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds in seventh year in the NBA. He was a double-double machine only a couple of seasons ago, so the 25-year-old should have plenty of potential to do better in 2024-25.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) returned to practice on Sunday. The veteran sniper got hurt in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Clippers, spraining his right ankle. Dallas had no trouble finishing off the Clippers in six games, but Hardaway Jr. will make a welcome return if he's ready to go for the second round against the Thunder on Tuesday. The 32-year-old was among the league's most prolific bench scorers in the regular season, averaging 14.4 points in 26.6 minutes.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (shoulder) will be re-evaluated in three weeks. He was initially expected to miss the rest of the postseason after Kleber suffered a separated shoulder in Friday's first-round clincher against the Clippers. It now looks like Kleber could be back for the Western Conference Finals if Dallas gets past Oklahoma City in the second round. In the meantime, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II will share the frontcourt minutes. The Thunder have struggled in the rebounding department this season, putting the three in a position to have a productive series.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (calf) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the 27-year-old managed to suit up for Game 1 on Saturday night, it appears the calf injury impacted his play. He finished that one with 17 points, a significant decline from his scoring contributions in the previous series versus the Lakers. In all fairness, the rest of the roster struggled, so Murray and company could turn things around in Game 2.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Game 1 of the second-round series against the Knicks. He landed on the report ahead of Game 4 against Milwaukee in the first round with lower back spasms. However, Haliburton didn't have any trouble playing through the issue, suggesting he will be good to go for the series opener against the Knicks on Monday. Indiana's young star has been a bit inconsistent with his postseason performances, registering 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.3 assists with poor 29.6 percent shooting from deep.