The first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs will continue on Monday and the slate will conclude with the No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers visiting the No. 2 Denver Nuggets for Game 5 of their best-of-seven series. Tipoff for this Western Conference showdown is set for 10 p.m. ET and the game will air on TNT.
Los Angeles was able to avoid the sweep on Saturday, downing Denver in a 119-108 victory in Game 4 to cut the series deficit to 3-1. The Lakers led the entire way throughout the game and despite some brief scares in the second half, they were actually able to close the Nuggets out this time around. Anthony Davis had a ridiculous night with 25 points and 23 rebounds as they ended an 11-game losing streak against the defending champions.
The Lakers once again held the Nuggets to under 50% shooting, but as mentioned before, they didn’t squander a double-digit lead like they had in the previous three games of the series. They were able to maintain control throughout the second half and notably didn’t allow the champs to dominate on the offensive glass. LA’s ability to hold off Denver in the second half and squash runs with big shots of its own will determine whether or not it can keep its season alive for another game.
On the injury front, Jamal Murray (calf strain) is listed as questionable for the Nuggets after suffering the injury late in Game 4. Backup guard Reggie Jackson (ankle) is listed as probable. Meanwhile, LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (wrist) are both listed as probable for the Lakers.
Denver enters the game as a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, accompanied by a total of 217. The Nuggets are listed as a -305 moneyline favorite, making the Lakers a +245 underdog.
Lakers vs. Nuggets, 10 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Lakers +7.5
LA gave itself new life in Game 4 and has a chance to make this a series again if it can steal one on the road in Denver this evening. Ultimately, I think the Lake Show will fall short as the Nuggets are 35-8 at home this year and won’t go cold in the second half like they did in on Saturday. However, I do think the Lakers will throw everything including the kitchen sink to make this a close bout, so I’ll go with the road underdog covering.
Over/Under: Over 217
Even while controlling this series, the Nuggets haven’t necessarily been lights out from the field and that finally caught up to them in Game 4. I’ll predict that they’ll come out guns blazing to match whatever LeBron and company throws at them. For that, I’ll take the over.