The general consensus is that the Denver Nuggets are favored to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with some experts like NBA.com’s Michael C. Wright predicting a clean sweep for Denver, similar to last year’s result.
The Nuggets have a strong track record, having beaten the Lakers in their last eight encounters, including the 2023 Western Conference Finals. Their performance metrics have also seen improvements across the board—better overall record, offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating compared to last season.
Despite the unfavorable odds, the Lakers remain optimistic about their chances. Following a crucial win against the Pelicans that clinched their playoff spot, Anthony Davis highlighted the Lakers’ recent form, winning 12 out of their last 15 games, and mentioned that the team is peaking at the right time.
Davis acknowledged the challenge of facing Denver but emphasized the importance of teamwork and defense. He suggested that leveraging their strengths in defensive stops and fast breaks could be key, especially against the Nuggets who prefer a slower, half-court game.
Additionally, the timing of the matchup could be advantageous for the Lakers. With key players like the 39-year-old LeBron James and 31-year-old Davis leading the team, facing Denver early in the playoffs might help avoid the fatigue issues that plagued James in last year’s series.
The series is set to begin with Game 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
