The Lakers return to Los Angeles in a must-win scenario.
While the Lakers were able to make Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Finals competitive, the Nuggets outlasted them in both games to take a 2-0 series lead. Nikola Jokic recorded triple-doubles in back-to-back games while Jamal Murray took over in crunch time.
Only 7.4 percent of the teams in NBA history that have trailed 2-0 in a series have gone on to win, but that's much better odds than teams to have come back from a 3-0 deficit because ... it's never happened.
Will the Nuggets take a commanding lead or will the Lakers make it a series?
The Sporting News' NBA experts share their predictions for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
MORE: Jamal Murray's 4th quarter stats prove he has the playoff clutch gene
Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 3 predictions
Micah Adams: Nuggets 122, Lakers 120
Steph Noh: Nuggets 111, Lakers 109
Scott Rafferty: Lakers 118, Nuggets 105
Carlan Gay: Lakers 112, Nuggets 100
Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 3 odds
The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites over the Nuggets in Game 3.
| Lakers | Nuggets | |
| Spread | -5.5 | +5.5 |
| Moneyline | -225 | +185 |
For the full market, check out BetMGM.
What time is Lakers vs. Nuggets today?
- Date: Saturday, May 20
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
Game 3 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 20. The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
What channel is Lakers vs. Nuggets on?
- Date: Saturday, May 20
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals will be broadcast on ABC. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Lakers vs. Nuggets schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the 2023 Western Conference Finals:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| May 16 | Nuggets 132, Lakers 126 | FINAL | Den. 1-0 |
| May 18 | Nuggets 108, Lakers 103 | FINAL | Den. 2-0 |
| May 20 | Game 3 at Lakers | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| May 22 | Game 4 at Lakers | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 24 | Game 5 at Nuggets* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 26 | Game 6 at Lakers* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 28 | Game 7 at Nuggets* | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
*If necessary
