Lakers vs. Nuggets: Game 4 predictions, odds, TV, schedule for Western Conference series

Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of their Western Conference series on Saturday night. The Lakers must win this game to keep their NBA Playoffs campaign alive.

The Denver Nuggets, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, extended the series to 3-0 after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 112-105 in Game 3. Aaron Gordon had a career-high in the playoffs with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Jokic contributed 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.

With a 3-0 deficit against the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing a do-or-die situation in Game 4 of a first-round playoffs series. Can Los Angeles pull off a miraculous comeback to stay alive in the tournament?

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West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 4 predictions

Winners and Whiners: Denver Nuggets

Adam Rauzino writes: “the Nuggets continue to dominate the boards. They have out-rebounded the Lakers in all three games including 51 boards compared to only 38 by the Lakers on Thursday. Los Angeles has not been able to score enough points in this series despite shooting 49% due to the rebounding margin. The Nuggets have held the Lakers to an average of 102 points in the series. They have now beaten the Lakers in 11 straight meetings.”

Dimers: Denver Nuggets

Staff writes: “We predict the Nuggets, with a 65% win probability, will likely beat the Lakers on Saturday.”

Doc Sports: Take Los Angeles

Guy Bruhn writes: “The Los Angeles defense concedes 37.6% on 3-point attempts (1,170 of 3,109) and their opposition makes 79.5% of their free throw shots. They give up 28.2 assists and 44.0 boards per contest, which ranks 26th and 19th in basketball. The Lakers on defense are ranked 23rd in the NBA in points per game surrendered with 117.4. They are forcing 13.4 TO’s every game and have allowed teams to shoot 47.4% from the floor (17th in basketball).”

ESPN: The Nuggets have a 57% chance to win

According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Denver Nuggets have a 57.0% chance to beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs first round series.

West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 4 betting lines, odds

The Denver Nuggets are favored to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4, according to the BetMGM odds.

• Spread: Denver (-3.5); Los Angeles (+3.5)
• Moneyline: Denver (-165); Los Angeles (+135)
• Total Over/Under: 218.5

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.

West First Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets schedule

How to watch: Catch all the NBA Play-In Tournament action on ESPN+

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers vs. Nuggets: Game 4 predictions, odds, TV, schedule for Western Conference series