The Ball Center in Denver is the venue as the Denver Nuggets take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated first-round matchup of the Western Conference Playoffs. The Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions, enter this series as huge favorites on their home court, looking to build upon their regular-season and playoff success against the Lakers. Last year, the Nuggets swept aside the Lakers to win the Western Conference title. While the Nuggets finished as the 2-seed in the West, LeBron James and his Lakers won the 7-seed spot after a play-in victory.
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Basketball: 2024 NBA Playoffs Game 1
Where to Watch: ESPN
Venue: Ball Center, Denver
Date: 21.04.2024 05:30
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets, led by the reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, stayed at the top of the Western Conference all season. Jokic's all-around brilliance, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists, propelled the Nuggets as usual. With Jokic's leadership, the Nuggets finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the second seed in the West. Against the Lakers, the Nuggets won 3-0 in the regular season and have dominated them over the last two seasons.
Bet on Basketball with 1xBetLA Lakers
LeBron James defied expectations and age, showcasing flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Anthony Davis, when healthy, remained a dominant force on both ends of the court. However, injuries and inconsistencies plagued the Lakers throughout the season. A 47-35 season got them into the Play-In tournament. They scraped into the playoffs by winning their Play-In game against the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106. The win brought them three consecutive wins, a good foundation going into the playoffs.
This is our first-round matchup. I mean, we're looking forward to the postseason. But I haven't been looking forward to the rematch. The game is played how it's being played, and this is the matchup. So we're looking forward to that challenge.
Betting odds
LA Lakers are 3.36 underdogs on 1XBET. Total point over 224 is priced at 1.90 odds on Bet365 with a Nuggets -7 spread available at 1.86. LA Lakers +10.5 is priced at 1.53 odds on Betway. Read more here.
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