Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game 5: Western Conference Playoffs – First round

The Los Angeles Lakers finally won a game against the Denver Nuggets and will try to stay in the series when they visit Ball Arena on Monday.

Can the Lakers stay in the series?

The Los Angeles Lakers made it to the Western Conference finals last year, only to be swept by the Denver Nuggets. They came into Game 4 with 10 consecutive losses against the Nuggets but were determined to do something about it. They had a 13-point lead at halftime, and unlike Game 3, the Lakers managed to hold on to the lead. They shot an excellent 52.2% from the field and made 15 of 18 free throws. Four Lakers players went over 20 points in a 119-108 Lakers win. LeBron James led the way with 30 points, followed by Anthony Davis with 25 and Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell with 21.

The Nuggets are the team to beat in the West

The Denver Nuggets played their game in Game 4, but for the first time in the last 11 games against the Lakers, that wasn’t enough to get the win. They moved the ball well, having 30 assists and committing only 14 turnovers. Again, Nikola Jokic was unbelievable, finishing the game with a triple-double of 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists. Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamal Murray had 22.

Betting Trends

The Nuggets have covered the spread in 7 of the last 9 games against the Lakers. Denver is 6-3 ATS in the last 9 games overall. The Lakers are 4-2 ATS in the last 6 games overall and 4-1 ATS in the last five games as underdog.

Prediction and Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers finally defeated the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, and the series is now moving back to Denver. The Nuggets did not change anything in their game; it was the Lakers who shot the ball exceptionally well in Game 4. Nikola Jokic is still unstoppable and will be in this one. The Nuggets are simply the better team and will give an extra effort to finish the series tonight. Of course, LeBron James and Anthony Davis will fight for their lives, but the Nuggets are simply too good at home and will close the series with a win by covering the -7.5-point spread.