The Denver Nuggets are off to a flying start against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. It was an expected result after many favored the series to be a home team winning their games at home. It has been the story in the regular season, and now it continues in the WCF. However, all logic and history can be thrown away as it is the playoffs. What’s important is that the Joker is one up against the King.
The series promises to be an enthralling one, and Game 1 delivered just that. Anthony Davis put up a 40-point display only to see his side lose. As for the Nuggets, all their starters dominated and ended up with double figures in scoring. However, the series is far from over, as the Lakers have all to do in Game 2 at the Ball Arena.
LeBron James is probable for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets game
King James after the game was not happy to see his team lose out a close contest at the end. Although the Nuggets dominated the Lakers for the entirety of the game, the Lakers managed to cut down the lead. James ended up with an almost triple-double performance, as he put up a 26-point game. Going into Game 2, he is once again listed as probable, but we are sure that the King will gear up for the game tonight.
The Nuggets are a healthy bunch of players, who are capitalizing on this aspect. The only injury they have listed is Collin Gillespie, who has missed all of the games in the post-season. It is a huge boost for any coach to see his team be as injury free as possible. It gives them numerous options to change tactics and rest their players in between games. Let’s take a look at the complete injury report and expected roster of both teams.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- LeBron James (Probable)
- Mo Bamba (Out)
- Anthony Davis (Probable)
Los Angeles Lakers expected roster
- LeBron James (Probable)
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Anthony Davis (Probable)
- Austin Reaves
- D’Angelo Russell
Denver Nuggets injury report
- Collin Gillespie (Out)
Denver Nuggets expected roster
- Aaron Gordon
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Nikola Jokic
- Jamal Murray
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
The Denver Nuggets are favored to extend their lead against the Los Angeles Lakers
It is going to be a tough task for the Lakers to stop the Nuggets at home. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic combined for 65 points, whereas James and Davis combined for 66 points. It is going to be a huge task for the role players of the Lakers to pitch in double figures, to stand a chance against the Nuggets. In Game 1 it is clear that the Lakers weren’t able to cope with their player in the 132-126 loss.
We’ve seen again and again, the Lakers bouncing back after losing a game in the playoffs this time around. Darvin Ham is relaxed after the loss in Game 1 and trusts his team to tie the series. The Lakers have all to do, and King James will surely make his team work for a win before heading home. However, we are in favor of the Nuggets to win tonight against the Lakers.
