Lakers eager to solve Nuggets in Game 3
Wed Apr 24 8:13pm ET
Field Level Media
The Los Angeles Lakers will at least return to the comfort of their home fans when they take on the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday in Game 3 of a Western Conference first-round playoff series.
The Nuggets showed their championship pedigree at home in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday, when they overcame a 20-point, second-half deficit and an 11-point hole with less than 11 minutes remaining in regulation.
Denver pulled within 91-87 with 3:34 left, inched ever so close down the stretch and won it on a Jamal Murray fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis at the buzzer. It gave the Nuggets their only lead of the second half as they walked away with a 101-99 victory.
"It speaks to a team that has tremendous confidence in themselves," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. "We're the reigning champions. We may get down by 20 points, but we're not going to roll over. That's not who we are.
"... But we just did our job. We won two games at home. There's a lot of basketball to be played."
The Nuggets head into Game 3 with a 10-game winning streak against the Lakers (regular season and postseason combined) dating back to January 2023. That includes six playoff victories, highlighted by last season's four-game sweep in the Western Conference finals.
Nikola Jokic brought his MVP-caliber play on Monday, amassing 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Porter Jr. scored 22 points to go along with nine rebounds, and Murray had six of his 20 points in the final 57.6 seconds.
Murray's heroics came on a night when he was 9-of-24 from the floor and 0-of-5 from 3-point range. But he was 6-for-8 from the field in the decisive final quarter.
"I just lost balance and fell, and I just saw the ball over the rim," Murray said about never seeing his game-winning shot go into the basket. "I think A.D. was in my way, or somebody was in my way. And I just heard everybody scream, and that's how I knew it went in."
Davis had 32 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, while LeBron James scored 26 points and dished out 12 assists. Los Angeles guard D'Angelo Russell emerged with 23 points while going 7-for-11 from 3-point range after scoring 13 points on 1-of-9 shooting from distance in Game 1.
James scored 12 points in the final quarter on Monday, but the rest of the team combined for just eight, including none from Davis on one shot attempt.
"We've shown that we're more than capable," Davis said. "We have stretches where we just don't know what we're doing on both ends of the floor. And those are the ones that cost us."
With the sting of the defeat fresh, James is already looking ahead and determined to take the series back to Denver for Game 5 with a different energy. The Lakers won their first six home playoff games last season before running into the Nuggets' buzzsaw.
"Protect home. That's where my mindset goes," James said. "And obviously, the only game that matters now is Game 3 and how we can get better, how we can figure this team out. So, Game 3 is where my mindset is."
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished with 32 points in Saturday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He added nine assists, eight rebounds, and three steals. While the multi-time MVP nearly had a triple-double, he had issues finding the bottom of the net in Game 1, shooting 11-for-25 from the field and 2-for-9 from deep. He also had seven turnovers. The Timberwolves did a fantastic job preventing Jokic from getting comfortable. With that in mind, head coach Mike Malone will make adjustments heading into Game 2 on Monday evening, so Jokic should play better.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards led his team to a win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. He had 43 points, a postseason career-high, and added seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. The 22-year-old played well during the regular season. However, Edwards has played at a higher level, averaging 33.4 points while shooting 43.6% from behind the three-point line in his five playoff appearances. With the Timberwolves now leading the series, the Nuggets will try to knot things up on Monday night. As usual, expect Edwards to be featured in plenty of DFS lineups.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (shoulder) is sidelined indefinitely and could miss the remainder of the postseason. The 32-year-old exited Friday's series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Clippers because of a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, an MRI revealed an AC joint dislocation. Kleber averaged a career-low 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds this season. However, he still had a valuable role in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation. But with Kleber out of the mix, Dereck Lively II, who had 10 points, nine rebounds, and one steal in Game 6, should see more work off the bench behind Daniel Gafford.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) exercised his $21.4 million option for the 2024-25 campaign. This was expected, especially since the 2017 No. 2 overall pick has been sidelined by a left knee injury for over two years. During his time away, he's undergone three surgeries to address the issue, including a cartilage transplant. Ball most recently played 35 games for the Bulls after being traded by the Pelicans and posted some of his best numbers, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting a career-high 42.3% from behind the arc. With that said, the 26-year-old doesn't have a return date. But even if he gets back on the floor at some point, it could take him a while to work his way up to full speed. The risk of re-injury and potential decreased production will also be factors for fantasy managers to consider, even if there is a positive update regarding his health at some point in the next few months.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley struggled in Friday's loss to Orlando. The 2021 No. 3 overall pick had a stellar night on Tuesday, so expectations were high entering this one. Unfortunately, he couldn't get anything going offensively, ending the contest with just three points off 1-for-5 shooting from the field. Mobley at least had seven rebounds and five blocks. But it was still a subpar effort from the 22-year-old, who had added responsibility due to the absence of Jarrett Allen (rib). At any rate, Mobley has had a double-double in two of his three appearances on his home court during this series, meaning he has an excellent chance to turn things around on Sunday afternoon for Game 7.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland played well in Friday's loss to Orlando. The 24-year-old scored 21 points, finishing second on his team in scoring behind Donovan Mitchell, who had 50. He added six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Garland struggled during the first four games of the series. However, he's now combined for 44 points in the last two contests. While the 2019 No. 5 overall pick has lost the trust of some DFS managers, he deserves fantasy consideration for Game 7 on Sunday, primarily since Orlando will likely focus on keeping Mitchell from having another explosive performance.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell had a game-high 50 points in Friday's postseason meeting with Orlando. However, his efforts weren't enough, as the Magic earned the win to extend the series. The 27-year-old continues to deal with an ailing knee. But after a few unimpressive showings during this round, Mitchell got his act together in Game 6. With the series knotted at three games each, both clubs will head back to Cleveland for Game 7 on Sunday. Mitchell has played well on his home turf throughout this series, averaging 27 points. Yet, the Magic will likely focus on slowing him down, meaning he may not be as productive as he was on Friday evening.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (leg) was seen at shootaround ahead of Friday's Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks. Mann is listed as questionable heading into this game due to a right leg contusion. The fact Mann was seen at shootaround is a good sign heading into Friday's game. The team will likely wait to see how Mann feels during pregame warmups before making a final decision. His absence would likely mean increased playing time for Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (ribs) remains listed as questionable for Friday night's Game 6 against the Orlando Magic. The big man was spotted at shootaround on Friday morning but his level of participation is unclear. He was unable to play in Game 5 on Tuesday due to the rib contusion, so it seems like he'll be a game-time decision in this potential series-clinching game. DFS managers will want to check back when it gets closer to tipoff since his presence usually means a bit of a value hit to Evan Mobley when it comes to rebounds and defensive stats.
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) was officially listed as questionable when the injury report first came out, and head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed that to still be the case. During shootaround on Friday morning, Mosley was asked if Harris was likely to play and he said, "He went through walk-through. He's going to go through his shooting slot, so he'll still be more of a game-time decision." While it's encouraging that he went through the walk-through and is still scheduled to get his shooting in, there could be some discomfort leading up to game time. DFS managers will want to monitor his situation if thinking about using him in any lineups.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart delivered yet again with huge hustle plays and a dagger three that officially moved the team into the second round of the playoffs. The former Villanova Wildcat finished the game with 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and two turnovers while shooting 5-for-11 overall and 3-for-5 from three. He was the Knicks' second-leading scorer in this series and had double the amount of rebounds per game compared to their second-best rebounder. On top of that, he shot some of his best percentages from three in his career as he registered 43.2% from deep on 6.2 attempts per game.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid fouled out late in Game 6 after intentionally fouling with the clock ticking down, but he was able to keep the team in the game while battling on the offensive end and on the boards. The former MVP posted 39 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and five turnovers. He also shot 12-for-25 from the floor, 2-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 13-for-13 from the free throw line. Despite the injured knee and Bells Palsy, the superstar big man ended this series with averages of 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game with shooting splits of .444/.333/.859.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson turned in a historic performance after posting a third-straight 40-point performance and his fourth game of at least 39 points and six assists. In Game 6, Brunson finished with 41 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, and two turnovers while shooting 13-for-27 from the floor and 3-for-8 from deep. The Villanova product hit multiple big shots down the stretch of the game to put it just out of reach for the 76ers and lead the Knicks to their second playoff series win since the 2012-13 season. Despite a rough start in the first two games of the series, he found his rhythm and carried the offense to the tune of 35.5 points per game and he's currently the leading scorer throughout the entire playoffs so far.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton had 14 points in Thursday's loss to the Pacers. He added four boards, three assists, and two steals. While the veteran did all he could, his efforts weren't enough to lead Milwaukee to a win, eliminating the team from the playoffs. Middleton finished the regular season by averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. However, as usual, the 32-year-old was limited to 55 games due to injury. Middleton's play is never a concern. But his inability to stay healthy will negatively impact his fantasy stock heading into the 2024-25 campaign, no matter where he's playing.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) was back in the lineup for Thursday's playoff meeting with Indiana after missing a few contests with an Achilles injury. He played well, scoring a game-high 28 points while shooting 7-for-16 from the field and 4-for-12 from deep. Unfortunately, Lillard's return didn't help, as the Pacers got the win to eliminate the Bucks from the postseason. Lillard has been one of the league's most potent scorers for years. However, the 33-year-old took a step backward in his first season with the Bucks, averaging 24.3 points, nearly eight fewer than he had in his final season in Portland. On a positive note, he logged 73 games during the regular season, his most since 2017-18. But it appears Lillard is starting to regress statistically, so his fantasy ranking for next season won't be as favorable.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (rib) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Orlando. The veteran is bothered by a right rib contusion, keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's win. He didn't practice on Thursday, although it appears he still has a chance to suit up for Game 6. However, if Allen misses another contest, Isaac Okoro will likely remain in the starting lineup. On the other hand, Marcus Morris Sr., coming off a 12-point effort in Game 5, would be the preferred DFS value option if Allen can't go.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) remains out for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. The sharpshooting veteran tweaked his right ankle in Game 2 of this series and hasn't been available since. Without him, Maxi Kleber and Josh Green have gotten more minutes, even though neither player has been able to take advantage of their extra time on the floor.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (leg) is questionable for Friday's postseason encounter with the Mavericks. As expected, Kawhi Leonard (knee) remains out, so the team needs Mann to help fill the void in the lineup. The 27-year-old has posted double-digit scoring performances three times during the series. However, Mann is not a consistent fantasy producer, although the upside is there for the DFS managers willing to take a risk, assuming he plays. If he doesn't, Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, and Russell Westbrook should absorb most of his minutes.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) won't play on Friday against the Mavericks. There isn't any new information concerning his ailment. However, the Clippers need to win the next two games to advance to the next round, although they will likely need to do it without Leonard in the lineup. As usual, Paul George and James Harden will do their best to lead the offense in Game 6. But Norman Powell, Russell Westbrook, and Terance Mann should continue to get more minutes and shot opportunities. With that said, nobody on the Clippers' roster has been consistent from a fantasy standpoint.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will be available for Game 6 against Philadelphia on Thursday. He has missed one game in the series with an ankle injury, but Robinson has been upgraded from questionable to available ahead of the Game 6 tip-off. Robinson has an important role to play behind starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, as the Knicks' success depends a lot on how well they deal with Joel Embiid.