Nuggets vs. Lakers: Game 5 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't a perfect basketball team, but they're doing all the right things when it matters most against the Denver Nuggets.

After faltering in Game 3, the Lake Show regained their form in Game 4 and now have a commanding 3-1 lead over the Nuggets.

Denver's exciting style of play can work from time to time, but they're not equipped to handle the half-court game that L.A. is so good with.

A win the by Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday will push them through to the second round, where they'll play the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

When: Tuesday, May 8 at 10:35 PM ET

Watch: TNT

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Betting Line (via ScoresandOdds.com): Lakers -6, Over/Under 199.5

Key Injuries (via StatFox)

Rudy Fernandez, Nuggets—Out Indefinitely (Back)

Wilson Chandler, Nuggets—Out (Hip)

Metta World Peace, Lakers—Suspended

What They're Saying

Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times talks about the impact of Jordan Hill off the bench for L.A.:

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The 6'10" Hill has been the Lakers' primary backup big man since playing the fourth quarter and both overtimes of the Lakers' 114-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the penultimate game of the regular season. He responded with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Not bad for a player who was essentially a throw-in in the Lakers' March trade involving Derek Fisher and a first-round draft pick. He barely played in his first 21 games with his new team, in part because he sustained a sprained knee ligament.

Now he's often on the court when games are decided.

"He's been a huge contributor for us ever since we inserted him in the lineup," Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said. "He's been extremely consistent. He's given us a huge, huge boost."

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The former eighth-overall pick seems to found his place, and the Lakers couldn't be happier about it.

Most Important Player to Watch: Kobe Bryant, Lakers

When isn't Kobe the man to watch? If the Black Mamba wants to take over a game, he will. With the Nuggets on the brink of elimination, we can expect to see a ruthless Kobe.

He turned in only 22 points in Game 4, but he also grabbed eight rebounds and dropped six dimes.

His teammates responded and raised their game around him.

When the Lakers win and Kobe's not at his best—watch out.

Key Matchup: Post Play

The Nuggets are terribly out-classed on the block. The combination of Timofey Mozgov and Kenneth Faried stand absolutely no chance against Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

At times, George Karl's team gets a boost from the likes of JaVale McGee, but the Lakers are also getting an unexpected boost from Jordan Hill.

Denver's done a decent job of staying involved despite regularly getting out-rebounded.

If they can make something happen on the boards, it could swing the game.

Prediction

Lakers 102, Nuggets 97