NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game 3 WCF Injury Update, Lineup and Predictions

The Western Conference Finals feature the Lakers vs Nuggets in an epic battle for a place in the finals. The Nuggets have already proven that they have the potential to upset big names. But somehow, they have been unable to replicate the same magic with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Denver Nuggets are down 0-2 in the series, but it is not due to a lack of effort. They must be exhausted from playing a game on alternative days and it has finally started to reflect on their playing style. Despite that, the Nuggets erased a 16 point deficit in Game 2 of the WCF.

Nikola Jokic went berserk during the last few minutes of the game, scoring all 12 of the Nuggets’ points. Moreover, he finished the game with 30 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals, but in the end, Davis outplayed the Joker.

In the first half, LeBron James was phenomenal, scoring 20 out of the Lakers’ 41 points during that span. Although LeBron cooled down in the second half, AD took care of business for the team in the latter half.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury update and expected lineup

The Lakers are on their way to title #17 in franchise history. So far, everything is working according to the plan and there are just two games away from making it to the NBA final. As far as injuries are concerned for the Lakers, Dion Waiters will remain out of the lineup due to a groin injury.

Moreover, LeBron James is listed as probable for Game 3, courtesy of slight discomfort in the groin. However, it is nothing serious and he should be able to compete in Game 3. Keeping that in mind, the expected lineup for the Lakers will be LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and JaVale McGee.

Denver Nuggets Injury Update and expected lineup

The Nuggets have been performing at an elite level in the Playoffs. In fact, they eliminated the might Clippers, stripping the fans to witness the ‘Battle of LA’ in the WCF. Moreover, most of the team is healthy even after competing in back to back seven-game series.

However, Will Barton will remain out of the lineup for the entirety of the WCF. So the expected lineup for the Nuggets will be Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Jerami Grant, Gary Harris, and Paul Millsap.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets WCF Game 3 prediction

The purple and gold have had a terrific start in the Playoffs, and they will look to get one step closer in their quest for a title. Moreover, both James and Davis are at top of their game and if they continue this form, Game 3 should be in the bag.

On the other hand, this young Denver squad is unpredictable. They have earned the label of comeback kings this postseason. But handling both LBJ and AD might be too much even for them.

The Lakers should win Game 3 and take a 3-0 lead in the Tuesday’s WCF Game 3. But what do you think? Will the Lakers be too far ahead of the Nuggets, or will they finally lose a game in the WCF this year?