The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers face off in a highly anticipated showdown on Saturday night. The game between Nikola Jokic and LeBron James is expected to be a thrilling contest, especially given the history between these two teams.
Last season, the Nuggets dominated the Lakers, sweeping the regular-season series and securing a 4-1 victory in the first round of the playoffs. For the Lakers, this matchup is more than just another game; rather, it’s a chance for revenge.
Ahead of the game, both teams released their injury reports. The Nuggets have five players listed, including Aaron Gordon, Jalen Pickett, DaRon Holmes II, Spencer Jones, and Vlatko Cancar. However, Nikola Jokic is confirmed to be available, which is a significant boost for Denver.
Jokic’s availability is crucial, especially considering his recent performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite garnering attention for showing outburst on referee, Jokic delivered an extraordinary performance with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his fifth consecutive triple-double.
Before the Mavericks game, Jokic had missed three straight outings. But his return clearly proved why he’s the backbone of Denver’s success.
Michael Malone Criticizes Lack of Support for Jokic After Mavericks Loss
The Nuggets’ loss to the Mavericks dropped their record in the NBA Cup group-stage games to 1-2. The defeat has sparked criticism from Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. Malone expressed frustration with the team’s lack of collective effort, particularly in supporting their star player, Nikola Jokic.
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“I think a lot of guys exhaled because Nikola was back and expected Superman to carry the day, and that’s not fair. Do your own job. Nobody’s gonna do their job. We, as a collective unit, myself included, you know, didn’t get the job done in the future,” Malone said following the game.
The Nuggets’ overall record now stands at 8-6 after 14 games this season. Jokic, who has played in 11 of those games, continues to deliver MVP-level performances, averaging 30.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 11.5 assists per game.
also Read: What NBA Records Could Nikola Jokic Break In The 2024-25 Season, Chasing Magic And LeBron?
