NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Breaking Down Lakers vs. Nuggets Game by Game

The Los Angeles Lakers' first-round schedule against the Denver Nuggets will impact the team more than a schedule otherwise might in most years.

With Metta World Peace suspended for the first six games of the postseason and backup small forward Matt Barnes recovering from a sprained ankle, Los Angeles' depth will be challenged early and often in the series. Barnes won't miss additional time due to the injury, but he's also unlikely to be playing at 100 percent.

The Lakers will need to make the most of their first two games at home—and not just because the Nuggets are 153-44 at home since 2007-08.

Denver's home court will be especially rough on Los Angeles' All-Star seven-footers. The Nuggets averaged 104 points a game this season with an up-tempo pace that can tire bigs out. That pace is all the more exhausting in the high altitude of Pepsi Center's thin air.

Here are some key factors to look for in each of Los Angeles' seven potential first-round games.  

Game 1: Nuggets at Lakers, Sunday at 12:30

It's absolutely crucial that the Lakers set a tone with this first game—anything short of a convincing victory could give Denver's young ensemble of a roster the confidence it needs to fight for the upset. The last thing the Lakers want is a long series.

Expect Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol to establish themselves early in an attempt to control the pace and force the Nuggets to play a more half-court game. 

Game 2: Nuggets at Lakers, May 1 at 7:30

This could be a dangerous game for Los Angeles. If Matt Barnes is still showing the effects of his ankle sprain, depth could become a factor on the Lakers' wing, especially if third-string small forward Devin Ebanks isn't up to the task of playing big playoff minutes.

We'll also know after this game if Kobe Bryant's extended absence in April left any rust. If he's clicking in this game, the Nuggets could be in trouble.

Game 3: Lakers at Nuggets, May 4 at  7:30

The two nights off before Game 3 could mean valuable rest for Matt Barnes' ankle and the Lakers' bigs alike. If Los Angeles can keep up with the Nuggets in this game, we'll have that extra long break to thank.

This will also be an important test of the Lakers' ability to balance a Kobe-centered attack with the need to get everyone else involved. He scored more points on the road this season, but he shot the ball three percentage points worse.

Game 4: Lakers at Nuggets, May 6 at 6:30

If the Denver altitude is going to take a toll on Bynum and Gasol, it might happen sometime in the second half of Game 4. Keep an eye on Bynum especially—he'll need to run the floor against this team to get back on defense, and any letup will be sure to draw Mike Brown's ire.

Game 5:  Nuggets at Lakers, May 8 (If Necessary)

If the series gets this far, that's already less-than-ideal news for the Lakers. With only a night off after two games in Denver and the possibility of returning so soon, Game 5 and Game 6 are danger zones for the heavily favored Lakers.

Of course, a lot will also depend on whether Los Angeles leads the series 3-1 at this point or stands tied at two games apiece. If the Nuggets manage to take an evened-up series into Game 5, their confidence will be sky high—the last thing you want to see with a young team.

Game 6: Lakers at Nuggets, May 10 (If Necessary)

Los Angeles would be concerned—to say the least—if this series goes to a sixth game. The Nuggets may be an exciting up-and-coming team, but very few pundits are giving them much of a chance against the Lake Show.

It's unlikely that Kobe's psyche would be affected by such things, but it's a lot harder to know where Bynum's head will be, and this kind of postseason pressure will be a first for Ramon Sessions. The later the series goes, the more you have to worry about Los Angeles' supporting cast disappearing.

It doesn't help that a potential Game 6 would be in Denver. 

Game 7: Nuggets at Lakers, May 12 (If Necessary)

Los Angeles would certainly have the upper hand in a series finale. Mike Brown's club has more experience and would be playing at home.

The bigger problem would be having to play a seven-game series—this team doesn't want to tire itself out in a marathon with Denver's young legs before having to play either the Dallas Mavericks or Oklahoma City Thunder.