The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off against the Denver Nuggets this Friday in what promises to be a high-stakes Western Conference battle. If you're eager to catch the action live, we've got you covered with all the details on how to watch, injury updates, and game predictions.
Lakers Facing Adversity
For the first time in weeks, the Lakers are dealing with real adversity. After riding the momentum of an impressive eight-game winning streak, they've now lost three consecutive games, struggling to maintain their fourth-place position in the highly competitive Western Conference. Their current record stands at 40-24, but with their recent struggles, they’re in desperate need of a turnaround.
To make matters worse, Los Angeles is dealing with key injuries. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes—three critical frontcourt players—are all sidelined. The impact of these absences was felt hard in their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they were simply outmatched and fell by 20 points. Despite Luka Doncic putting up an efficient 45 points, it wasn’t enough to keep the game competitive.
Nuggets Looking to Bounce Back
The Denver Nuggets, currently third in the West with a 42-24 record, are also dealing with some inconsistency. They have only managed to win five of their last ten games, after previously going on a nine-game winning spree. Their defensive struggles have been a major issue, and while three-time MVP Nikola Jokić continues to dominate with stellar performances, Jamal Murray—Denver's second-best player—hasn't quite found his rhythm this month.
Despite their struggles, Denver has a significant advantage in this matchup. They boast superior size and depth, especially against a Lakers squad missing key frontcourt players.
Season Series So Far
The two teams are currently tied at one win each in their season series. The Lakers secured a dominant 123-100 victory in Denver back on February 22, but it’s important to note that they were nearly at full strength for that game—a stark contrast to their current situation.
Where and How to Watch the Game
If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, here’s everything you need to know about watching the Lakers vs. Nuggets game:
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TV Channel: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet
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Start Time: 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time
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Live Stream: Watch on FuboTV (free trial available)
Injury Updates
Both teams are dealing with key injuries, which could significantly impact the game's outcome.
Lakers Injuries:
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LeBron James (left groin strain) - OUT
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Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy) - OUT
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Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) - OUT
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Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) - OUT
Nuggets Injuries:
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Christian Braun (left foot inflammation) - PROBABLE
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Nikola Jokić (right elbow contusion/left ankle impingement) - PROBABLE
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Jamal Murray (left knee inflammation) - PROBABLE
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Zeke Nnaji (left ankle sprain) - PROBABLE
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Aaron Gordon (right calf injury management, left ankle sprain) - QUESTIONABLE
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DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair) - OUT
Probable Starting Lineups
While adjustments could be made due to injuries, these were the lineups used in each team's previous game:
Lakers:
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G - Gabe Vincent
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G - Austin Reaves
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C - Alex Len
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F - Luka Doncic
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F - Dorian Finney-Smith
Nuggets:
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G - Jamal Murray
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G - Russell Westbrook
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C - Nikola Jokić
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F - Christian Braun
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F - Michael Porter Jr.
Predictions, Picks, and Betting Odds
With the Lakers being thin and undersized, the Nuggets are heavily favored to take this game. Their size, offensive firepower, and defensive capability could prove too much for an undermanned Los Angeles squad.
Score Prediction: Nuggets 125, Lakers 109
Odds (via BetMGM):
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Spread: Nuggets -13.5
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Over/Under: 232.5
Upcoming Lakers Schedule
The Lakers have a tough stretch ahead, facing some strong Western Conference opponents. Here’s a look at their next few games:
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March 14: at Denver Nuggets
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March 16: vs. Phoenix Suns
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March 17: vs. San Antonio Spurs
Final Thoughts
Both teams are at a crossroads in their season. The Nuggets are looking to shake off recent struggles and solidify their top-tier standing, while the Lakers are hoping to survive without their key players and prevent a full-blown losing streak. Given the current circumstances, Denver has the upper hand, but anything can happen in the NBA. Will the Lakers find a way to defy the odds, or will the Nuggets dominate on their home court? Tune in to find out!
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