Shirts and Skins Give Advice on NBA Basketball: April 20

by Bodog Sportsbook | Apr 18 2008

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

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Q:  If you had to pick between Allen Iverson or Kobe Bryant to start your NBA team, who would you take and why?

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Melissa - I always wondered why they called Allen Iverson “The Answer.” Now that I have the question, it all seems so clear…


Jimmy - I would pick Allen Iverson because he will play with any team you put him out there with and he won't complain. He is guaranteed to be among the league leaders in points and steals, he is fearless and he will play his heart out for you even if he is injured. If I am just starting an NBA team, there isn't much more I can ask from my superstar.

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Q: We know Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are the key players, but apart from those guys, who could be the X factor for each team?

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Melissa - Marcus Camby for Denver: My crack team of NBA enthusiasts insists that Marcus Camby is the best defender ever. Given that he’s making $11 million, he better be.

Lamar Odom for Los Angeles: He plays well even after getting cracked in the head by Dirk Nowitzki. If that doesn’t scream “X-factor,” I don’t know what does.  

Jimmy - J.R. Smith for Denver. When he is playing well and shooting a high percentage from 3-point range, it gives Denver that extra scoring boost and causes teams all sorts of matchup problems.

Lamar Odom is the X-factor for the Lakers. He seems to have found his niche as the third option in the triangle offense. He just does so many things for the Lakers. He can defend, rebound and when his game is on offensively, the Lakers are almost unstoppable.

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Q: Could the altitude in Denver have an effect on the Lakers in this series?

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Melissa - The Lakers won’t be up high enough to get all those disgusting mountain sickness symptoms, but the altitude will certainly present them with some challenges. Think about it: The Lakers are used to playing at sea level, so they might start huffing and puffing much earlier than usual due to the thinness of the air. The Lakers should invite themselves to Gilbert Arenas’ house where they can train in a simulated high-altitude situation. I’m sure Arenas would love the company.

Jimmy - I don't think the altitude will be a major factor for the Lakers. The Lakers have home court advantage and they have already played and won in Denver this year despite a 51 point performance from Allen Iverson.

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Q: The Lakers are the Western Conference champions and the Nuggets just barely made the playoffs. What does Denver have to do to have a chance at winning this series?

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Melissa - There is always a chance. Remember that miracles happen every day. And, if you can’t score yourself a miracle, bribing the street toughs on the Spurs to teach Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant a “lesson” before game time is the next best plan of action. Lastly, my crack team of NBA enthusiasts suggests that triple guarding Kobe and Pau may be the keys to Denver’s success. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds like a really good idea.

Jimmy - In order for Denver to have a chance in this series they will need to step up their defense intensity. Defense is something Denver has not committed to playing all season, but they won't be able to rely on outscoring a team like the Lakers. Stopping Kobe Bryant is a tough assignment, but if Denver can limit the effectiveness of Pau Gasol and force the Lakers shooters to shoot a low percentage they should be in good shape.

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Q: Who wins Game 1?

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Melissa - The Lakers will win for sure. Besides the fact that the Lakers are the first seed, which means it’s their statistical destiny to kill the Nuggets, they will be playing Game 1 at home. Who doesn’t feel more comfortable working from home?

Jimmy - I like the Lakers to win Game 1 of this series. They have been playing excellent basketball and closed out the season winning their last four games, including two wins against both San Antonio and New Orleans. The Lakers will have home court advantage for Game 1, which will give them an added edge.