The Denver Nuggets have certainly gained some momentum in these seeding games. They have won two out of three of their previous matchups and overcame a 14-point halftime deficit against the Utah Jazz in their previous game. Finally, beating them with a score of 134-132. The All-Time favourites, Los Angeles Lakers, have been on the opposite path altogether. Their losing skid has lasted in all three of their previous games.
However, this has not affected their standings and have clinched the first seed in the Western Conference so far. Their matchup will be one to watch. The Lakers will be playing the Denver Nuggets on August 10.
Lakers injury update and lineup prediction
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The Lakers are going to have to bring back their A-game. Their back to back losses against the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder are evidence that they need more output from their shooters. However, this may be a bit difficult with so many of their players listed as ‘probable;’ for their game against the Nuggets.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been ruled out because of his injury endured during the last match against the Pacers when Myles Turner landed on his ankle. Even though the injury has not been categorized as serious in the long-term, it may be a setback for the team.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out tomorrow night due to the ankle that Myles Turner landed on. Not a long term concern after medical evaluation.
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) August 9, 2020
As of now, even Lebron James, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard are also ‘a maybe‘ for the Nuggets game. However, this seems less likely. Davis’ performance has not been up to the mark in the previous games. This game is very important for the team and needs better performances.
Keeping in mind that only Pope will be out, the line-up prediction is JaVale McGee, Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Danny Green and Alex Caruso.
Denver Nuggets injury update and lineup prediction
The motivation to make this game a hattrick is even higher for the Nuggets. Moreso, because beating the No. 1 seed will be a matter of pride along with clinching the third seed in the Conference. The Nuggets were definitely overwhelmed after guard Jamal Murray returned for the Utah Jazz game after a long four-game absence due to his hamstring injury.
Will Barton and Garry Harris are definitely listed as ‘Out‘ for the Lakers game. With another hope to bag 20+ plus for the Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. will be the key player. His shooting and rebound skills are going to pose a threat for the Lakers. He has consistently scored more than 25 points in his last three games as well.
The lineup prediction for the Nuggets would be Nikola Jokic, Micheal Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, Torrey Craig and Paul Millsap.
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It won’t be easy for the Lakers to break the force with which the Denver Nuggets will come at them on Monday.
SOURCE: ESPN 1
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