The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of elimination. While it was always going to be a possibility considering how well the Nuggets have played this season, it is surprising to see it happen by Game 4. The Lakers will be looking to become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 deficit. While there is a long way to go for that to happen, it is hard to completely write off LeBron James.
Check out my first-basket scorer pick for Nuggets vs Lakers below and you can also read our NBA predictions on the sides and total.
Nikola Jokic has had success in the last 2 games giving the Denver Nuggets the opening possession. He has been able to overcome Anthony Davis on both occasions. It has now tied the season series between the pair to 3 each. With the pair being evenly matched, it could come down to which team is more efficient offensively to decide who opens the night's scoring. Considering that the Nuggets are leading the NBA in offensive rating during these playoffs, they should be well positioned to do just that.
Jamal Murray should have a great chance to knock down the first points tonight. He has been on fire, knocking down 30 or more points in each game this series so far. He has also upped his field goal attempts in each game, resulting in 29 shots in Game 3. Over the last 10 games for the Nuggets, Murray has scored the first points for on 3 occasions. If he stays aggressive here, he will have a great chance of doing so once more. The Nuggets have singled out D'Angelo Russell as a target. Murray has the skillset to go at him from the opening seconds. He looks a good value selection here.