The Los Angeles Lakers new they would begin the 2012 NBA playoffs at home Sunday afternoon at Staples Center. What they didn't know is which team they would face, until now. The Denver Nuggets picked up a 131-102 road win Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, clinching the No. 6 seed over the Dallas Mavericks.
The No. 3 seed and Pacific Division champion Lakers will host the Nuggets beginning Sunday at Staples Center, presumably an afternoon game. The full NBA playoff schedule will be released later Thursday night.
The Lakers won three of their four matchups against the Nuggets during the regular season, including both games in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 92-89 on December 31 and 103-97 on April 13, both at Staples Center and the latter without Kobe Bryant, who was out with an injured shin.
Bryant has had shooting woes against Denver this season, shooting just 27.5% from the field in three games, including a 6-for-28 game in a 99-90 loss on January 1.
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