The Los Angeles Lakers host the Nuggets for Monday's Game 4 but are down 3-0 in the series. Denver looks to make its first NBA Finals appearance.
Unless the Lakers have something special saved for Monday night, it will be the end of the road for their 2022-2023 campaign. The Nuggets have proven three times already that, however often and hard the Lakers punch, Denver knows how to fight back and fight better. Look no further than the 119-108 Game 3 win.
With respect to the fourth tilt, the NBA odds think L.A. will live to play another day. They’re pegged as slight -3.0 favourites. The total is tabulated at 224.5.
Nuggets vs. Lakers NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
Denver is a -5000 favourite to win the Western Conference final and that won’t catch anyone by surprise (previously -500). The Lakers lag far, far behind at +971 (previously +317). That’s what a 3-0 series lead will get you – or a 0-3 series deficit. Almost every time an NBA playoff series enters a fourth match with this score, analysts bring up the fact that no team in the league’s history has ever climbed its way out of such a hole and win a series.
Monday night will be huge for the Nuggets. First of all the franchise has never partaken in an NBA Finals. Second, a sweep of an impressive Lakers squad would be quite an accomplishment given what’s at stake. They’ve won in all sorts of ways during the regular season, the first two playoff rounds, and thus far in the Western final. Of note, Game 3 was the only win in this series for which the Nuggets covered the spread.
Monday night will also be huge for the Lakers. Namely, they want their season to continue, at least for a couple of days. But a win would do more than that. Do they have a kitchen sink in them for Game 4? Game 3 was the first time in their playoff run – play-in game excluded – for which they didn’t cover the spread at home.
Denver Nuggets
A case can be made that Game 3 was the most impressive win of the three. The single most important reason is that it was the first time that they didn’t allow L.A. to ever have a considerably extended period of success.
Unlike in the previous two contests, the Nuggets always felt like the club in control of the game’s flow. The versatility of Denver’s strength can be discerned from the fact that they won the game by 11 despite getting torched in the paint 52-38. But they shot better overall (50.0 per cent to L.A. 45.2) and from distance (41.5 to 31.3). Jamal Murray went ballistic in the first half, scoring 30 points. He cooled off in the second half, finishing with 37, but that’s when Nikola Jokic woke up. Three tepid quarters morphed into a 15-point final period (24 on the night).
Once again, Michael Porter Jr. (14 points) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (17 points), and Bruce Brown (15 points) proved their value as supporting players.
Los Angeles Lakers
Conversely, despite returning home – where the Lakers had been excellent this spring – Game 3 was probably the most disappointing in the series. Not insultingly so. The game was relatively close, but they rarely, if ever, looked like the better side.
The magical fourth quarter of Game 1 and strong first half of Game 2 were nowhere to be found. When three starters surpass the 20-point mark – LeBron James (23), Anthony Davis (28), and Austin Reaves (23) – a team should have a good chance of winning, yet L.A. lost by 11. The bench failed to bring a spark this time. Even Rui Hachimura, despite tallying 13 points, wasn’t as efficient as in Game 2. Forgive the tired expression, but it is what it is: the shooting wasn’t good and when it mattered most (fourth quarter), Denver just took over and was the better team. LeBron James’ leadership and experience have never been more important than entering Game 4.
Game 4 Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Lakers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 21 May 3:16am | DEN | -3.5 -110 | O +225 -110 |
| Closing 22 May 10:31pm | DEN | -3.5 -110 | O +225.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.91 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
12.54 |
| FG% |
75 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
2.04 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
24.5 |
| Assists |
6.5 |
| Rebounds |
14.06 |
| FG% |
55.7 |
| Steals |
1.38 |
| Blocks |
3.13 |
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Jeff Green (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Anthony Davis (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Fri | Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 3-6 | + - |
|
Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Thurs | Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Prob Sun | Face - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sun | Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Prob Sun | Back - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sat | Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 | 14-9 | 11-11-1 | + - |
|
Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 | 3-1 | 3-1 | + - |
|
Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Fri | Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 | 4-2 | 4-2 | + - |
|
Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Wed | Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 | 5-2 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Mon | Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 | 5-3 | 5-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Sat | Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 6-3 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Thurs | Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Anthony Davis (PF) | Prob Tues | Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 21 May 3:16am DEN -3.5 -110 O +225 -110 Closing 22 May 10:31pm DEN -3.5 -110 O +225.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lakers Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.91
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 12.54
FG% 75
Steals 1.15
Blocks 2.04
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 24.5
Assists 6.5
Rebounds 14.06
FG% 55.7
Steals 1.38
Blocks 3.13
-
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23Jeff Green (SF)
Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23Reggie Jackson (PG)
Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23Anthony Davis (PF)
Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 2-1 1-2 + - Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-3 3-6 + - Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 7-3 3-7 + - Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jeff Green (SF) Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 14-9 11-11-1 + - Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 21 / 05 / 23 1-1 1-1 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his status versus the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 19 / 05 / 23 2-1 2-1 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but he is predicted to be available for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 17 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 15 / 05 / 23 3-1 3-1 + - Davis is managing a right foot stress injury, but he is expected to dress for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Nuggets.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Fri Foot - 11 / 05 / 23 4-2 4-2 + - Davis is tending to a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Wed Foot - 09 / 05 / 23 5-2 4-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Mon Foot - 07 / 05 / 23 5-3 5-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is projected that that he will dress for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Sat Foot - 05 / 05 / 23 6-3 6-3 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but he is forecasted to be available versus the Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Thurs Foot - 03 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is dealing with a right foot stress injury, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Warriors.
Anthony Davis (PF) Prob Tues Foot - 01 / 05 / 23 7-3 6-4 + - Davis is nursing a right foot stress injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.