LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Los Angeles Lakers started the year 0-2, and people were predicting the end of their Western Conference reign, but against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, the Purple and Gold go for their fourth straight win.

These two teams played Saturday night, and the Lakers narrowly won, 92-89, after Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari missed a wide open layup with seconds left to play that would have tied the game.

Both teams are looking to start off the new year with a win, so let's look at a complete preview for this exciting matchup.

Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colo.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ALT, NBA League Pass

Listen: KRCN 1060 AM for Nuggets, 710 ESPN Radio for Lakers

Spread: Nuggets -5 (according to Betonline.com)

Key Injuries

Denver has no injuries to report

Lakers forward Derrick Caracter is out of Sunday's game with a torn MCL.

What's At Stake?

Not much is at stake so early in the season, but for the Lakers, a win would extend their winning streak to four games. Lakers center Andrew Bynum also has to get into the flow of things after missing the first few games because of a suspension.

The Nuggets are looking to avoid a second straight loss to the Lakers that would drop them to 2-3.

What They're Saying

Andrew Bynum wasn't quick to praise his first performance of the NBA season Saturday night, saying via ESPN:

"I really didn't think I did that great," Bynum said. "They got a couple offensive rebounds late. I can block more shots, I can be there earlier [on defense]."

Denver forward Danilo Gallinari was unable to tie Saturday's game when he missed a wide open layup with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, saying via the Denver Post:

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"He hit me on the shot," Gallo said, "but in those situations it's tough for the referee to make the call. I have to make the shot. I have to go probably stronger to the basket. It wasn't a great night for everybody offensively, especially me."

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Player To Watch on the Lakers: Andrew Bynum

Center Andrew Bynum made his season debut against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night and played really well. He scored 29 points with 13 rebounds and was the key for Los Angeles in the win.

It will be interesting to see how Bynum responds in back-to-back games when he is not used to the speed of a real NBA game yet.

Player To Watch on the Nuggets: Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari's failed layup in the final minute Saturday night allowed the Lakers to escape with victory, and it will be interesting to watch how he responds to that. Young players often let those embarrassing moments get the best of them.

After having high expectations before the season, Gallinari has looked poor on offense and isn't shooting well from the field.

Key Matchup

The matchup the Nuggets have to win is at center. Nene has to give them the edge over Andrew Bynum, but the Lakers big man has a decided height and strength advantage.

If Denver wins the rebounding battle, they will win, but for that to happen, Nene has to keep Bynum or power forward Pau Gasol off the boards.

Prediction: Lakers win 95-87

The Lakers are beginning to hit their stride on this three-game winning streak, and with Bynum back in the middle, they become a much better rebounding team.

He also gives them more defense and another big man that can score in the low post. With Pau Gasol and Bynum dominating the paint at both ends of the floor, the Lakers will win their fourth straight game and second consecutive against Denver in as many days.