Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction and Odds

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction and Odds: The LA Lakers are predicted to win as per the latest odds and predictions.

The Denver Nuggets will look to consolidate their championship hopes when they meet the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena. Michael Malone’s men have done everything right so far as they are 2-0 up with back-to-back home wins in the first two fixtures. However, it will be a different challenge in the third game which would be an away contest.

The LA Lakers need to make a comeback in Game 3 at any cost to keep themselves in the hunt. The Lakers fought well in the first two games of the series but failed to get the better of the Nuggets in their home. They can’t afford to afford a 3-game lead to Denver to avoid a do-or-die clash in the next game. Hopes will surely be on King James and Davis to help the Lakers bounce back in Game 3.

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction: Season Summary

Denver Nuggets

It has undoubtedly been one of the best NBA seasons for the Denver Nuggets this time. They started leading the Western Conference right from the start and finished the regular season as the table-toppers with 53 wins and 29 defeats. The Nuggets comfortably won the first-round of the playoffs with a 4-1 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They continued their dominance in the next round as well and handed a 4-2 loss to the Phoenix Suns to qualify for the Conference Finals.

LA Lakers

It has been a challenging journey for the LA Lakers this season. They seemed to struggle in the initial half of the campaign. However, the Lakers bounced back quite convincingly, especially in the last phase of the regular season after the NBA trade. Los Angeles finished in the 7th position in the Western Conference. They had 43 wins and 39 losses. Darvin Ham’s men opened the postseason with a solid 4-2 against the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1. The Lakers eliminated the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Semifinal Round to keep their title chances alive.

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction: Home-Away Stats

The LA Lakers will be hosting Game 3. They did well at home in the current season. The Lakers won 23 out of 18 home fixtures in the regular season. In the playoffs, they played 7 home games and are unbeaten till now.

The Denver Nuggets will be the visiting side in the next fixture. They managed to win 19 out of 22 away matchups in the regular season. The Nuggets have an away record of 2-3 in the postseason as of now.

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction: Offense and Defense Comparison

Offense

Offensive Advantage: Denver Nuggets

• The Denver Nuggets have played the playoffs with an average of 116.5 points per game. In shooting, they have a conversion rate of 49.0% in field goals, 38.5% in 3-pointers, and 81.6% in free throws. In the regular season, the Nuggets were the 5th-best side in the attack with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 116.9.
• The LA Lakers have maintained a scoring rate of 112.7 points per game in the postseason till now. They shot 47.3% from the field and 33.3% from the 3-point line. The free throw accuracy stands at 80.7%. The Lakers were the 20th-ranked team in the regular season with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 114.4.

Defense

Defensive Advantage: Parity

• The Denver Nuggets have given away 107.8 points per game in the playoff games so far. They played with an average of 37.8 rebounds per game. The average number of steals per game is currently at 5.8, while the average number of blocks per game stands at 5.1. Denver allowed the opposition teams to shoot 47.4% from the field and 34.1% from the 3-point line. The Nuggets were rated 114.2 on the defense with an Adjusted Defensive Rating of 114.2.
• The LA Lakers have conceded 109.1 points per game in the postseason as of now. They maintained an average of 47.3 rebounds per game. The average number of steals and the average number of blocks per game are currently at 6.1 and 3.6 respectively. The Lakers restricted the opposition to 43.2% in field goals and 34.4% in 3-pointers. With an Adjusted Defensive Rating of 113.9, Los Angeles was ranked 13 in the defense.

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Odds

The Denver Nuggets have the winning momentum on their side. However, the LA Lakers will enjoy the home advantage in Game 3.

Spread

• Denver Nuggets: +5.5 (-110)
• LA Lakers: -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Denver Nuggets: +140
• LA Lakers: -160

Read all our NBA and WNBA coverage here

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction: Head-to-Head Stats

The previous postseason clash took place in the Western Conference Finals of the year 2020. The LA Lakers registered a 4-1 win in that series.

In the regular season, both these sides played 189 games against each other. The LA Lakers have the upper hand with 113 wins, while the LA Lakers won 76 games.

In the NBA 2022-23, the equation stood at 2-2 between the Nuggets and the Lakers in the regular season.

The Denver Nuggets are leading the current Western Conference Finals by 2-0 after the first two games.

H2H Key Highlights: Last 5 Playoff Meetings

• Number of away games won by the LA Lakers: 1
• Number of home games won by the Denver Nuggets: 3
• Average Number of Total Points Scored: 227.0
• Average Number of Points Scored by the LA Lakers: 113.2
• Average Number of Points Scored by the Denver Nuggets: 113.8

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Prediction: Players to Watch Out

Denver Nuggets

1. Nikola Jokic (Center): Points Per Game: 30.4 | Rebounds Per Game: 13.8 | Assists Per Game: 10.2
2. Jamal Murray (Point Guard): Points Per Game: 27.2 | Assists Per Game: 6.2 | Rebounds Per Game: 5.5
3. Michael Porter Jr. (Small Forward): Points Per Game: 14.6 | Rebounds Per Game: 7.7 | Assists Per Game: 1.5

LA Lakers

1. LeBron James (Small Forward): Points Per Game: 23.5 | Rebounds Per Game: 10.1 | Assists Per Game: 5.9
2. Anthony Davis (Power Forward): Points Per Game: 22.3 | Rebounds Per Game: 13.8 | Blocks Per Game: 3.2
3. Austin Reaves (Shooting Guard): Points Per Game: 16.4 | Assists Per Game: 4.6 | Rebounds Per Game: 4.4

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 3 Winner Prediction

• Home Advantage: Lakers
• H2H Advantage: Lakers
• Offensive Advantage: Nuggets
• Defensive Advantage: Parity
• Overall: Lakers to win

The Denver Nuggets will aim to capitalize on the momentum and crush the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. A 3-0 lead will surely put a lot of pressure on the Lakers. On the other hand, the LA Lakers must find some way for a home win. They are likely to bring out their best in Game 3 and dominate the Nuggets.

As per the odds and stats, the LA Lakers are expected to win this fixture.