Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Things You Need to Know for Game 7
Kobe Bryant didn't think about being on the brink of elimination after opening up a best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with a pair of victories over the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center, but that now adds to the drama on Saturday night in Los Angeles.
Las Vegas oddsmakers have still established the Los Angeles Lakers as solid 5.5-point home favorites, while the total has dropped three points to settle in at 195.
Let's take a closer look at the five things you need to know for the NBA's first Game 7 of the 2012 NBA playoffs.
The Return of Metta World Peace
1 of 5Say what you want about the NBA player formerly known as Ron Artest, but the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need his energy and passion on the floor.
Enter Metta World Peace, who will take center stage in front of a gallery of stars at the Staples Center, as he's finished serving a seven-game suspension for elbowing Oklahoma City Thunder sixth man James Harden.
Don't expect an offensive explosion, considering the 32-year-old averaged just 7.7 points against the Denver Nuggets in four games during the 2011-12
George Karl's Birthday
2 of 5The Denver Nuggets hold virtually every motivational edge heading into Game 7, but will receive another one on Saturday night.
Head coach George Karl will celebrate his 61st birthday a few seats down from Hollywood star Jack Nicholson on the Staples Center floor, which could turn into quite a party if his team is able to become just the ninth in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a postseason series.
The Nuggets are dangerous away from the Mile High City, finishing the regular season with an 18-15 road record.
Pau Gasol and Closeout Games
3 of 5Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol is not having a banner series, but all could be forgotten if he helps advance the franchise to the second round of the 2012 NBA playoffs.
Since his arrival in 2008, the Spaniard has played an instrumental role in helping the Lakers post a 12-3 record in closeout games during the postseason.
Gasol is averaging just 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds through the first six games of this series, which is nowhere near his regular season averages of 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds.
Lakers' fans will not accept another three-point performance like the one he delivered in Game 6.
Denver Nuggets' Defense
4 of 5The Denver Nuggets have held the Los Angeles Lakers under the century mark in the last four games, something that few could have predicted.
Head coach George Karl has done an excellent job in stressing this side of the floor, considering the Nuggets had allowed 100-plus points in 22 of their previous 23 playoff games, including the first two inside the Staples Center to open up the series.
Denver will not advance if Los Angeles manages to score 100 or more points on Saturday night.
Los Angeles Lakers and Game 7 History
5 of 5Don't expect to watch Kobe Bryant display nerves by chewing on his jersey on Saturday night against the Denver Nuggets, as the Los Angeles Lakers are 14-1 all-time when playing in front of the home crowd in Game 7.
In fact, the Lakers have managed to come out victorious in 10 consecutive games in that situation, with the only setback coming 43 years ago.
Bryant has averaged 30.3 points in the team's three wins in this series, but may need to put together his 13th career 40-plus effort in the postseason in hopes of advancing into the second round.
Nervous times in Lakerland—unless you're the one wearing a No. 24 home jersey on the Staples Center' floor.
Follow on Twitter: @JeffGrantSports
.jpg?w=600 "Why Walker Knew He'd Leave Seahawks")