Denver, CO
NBA Playoffs Betting Guide: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Game 2
The betting landscape is exciting as the Los Angeles Lakers gear up to take on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series. The Lakers are looking to rebound after a tough loss in the series opener, where, despite a strong start, they could not maintain momentum against the Nuggets’ robust second-half performance. The Nuggets, leading the series 1-0, are coming off a decisive win fueled by a standout performance from Nikola Jokic. This backdrop sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup, with the betting public and fans keenly analyzing the odds and potential outcomes to make informed wagers.
Game Recap and Key Players
In Game 1, the Lakers fell 114-103 despite solid performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who combined for 59 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists. However, efficiency from beyond the arc and overall team depth proved problematic for the Lakers, further compounded by Cam Reddish’s and Jarred Vanderbilt’s absences. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s 32 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, showed their prowess, particularly in the latter half of the game, to secure the win.
Betting Odds and Analysis
According to Matchbook, the Nuggets are 7.5-point favorites heading into Game 2, with the total over/under set at 223 points. Here’s a breakdown of the betting scenario:
- Point Spread: The Nuggets, with a season record of 38-42-2 against the spread, have been less predictable in covering large spreads, whereas the Lakers have shown resilience as underdogs, boasting a 3-1 record when the spread is 7.5 points or more.
- Total Points Over/Under: Games involving these teams have frequently surpassed the 223-point mark this season, suggesting a potential for a high-scoring game. The combined scoring average of both teams exceeds this total, which might incline bettors towards the Over.
- Moneyline: The Nuggets at -290 are heavy favorites, indicating strong confidence in their ability to secure a win, especially at home. However, the Lakers at +235 could offer value, given their potential to upset, evidenced by their competitive first-half performance in Game 1.
Betting Picks and Predictions
- Spread Betting: Given the Lakers’ ability to compete and the high stakes of playoff basketball, taking the Lakers +7.5 could be a smart bet. The key will be their ability to adjust defensively and slow down Jokic while capitalizing on LeBron and Davis’s scoring.
- Total Points: Betting the Over on 223 points seems promising, given both teams’ offensive capabilities and previous scoring trends.
- Moneyline: While the Nuggets are favorites, those looking for higher returns might consider a small wager on the Lakers, who have the star power to swing the game in their favor potentially.
Why the Lakers Could Cover the Spread/Win
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their potential in the first half of Game 1, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge. This dynamic duo’s performance strongly indicates the Lakers’ ability to dominate when they’re at their best. If James and Davis maintain their form, and the team can replicate their first-half performance from Game 1, they have a solid chance to cover the spread and possibly secure a win in Game 2. The key to leveraging their star power is consistency throughout the game, avoiding the drop in intensity that allowed the Nuggets to take over in the second half.
Additionally, the Lakers’ defensive strategy needs to focus significantly on Nikola Jokic. Jokic’s influence on the game is profound, and limiting his effectiveness can tilt the game in the Lakers’ favor. Tactical adjustments could be crucial, such as strategic double-teaming or rotational changes to minimize his touches. Successfully executing these adjustments could be the difference-maker, helping the Lakers cover the spread and position themselves for a win.
Why the Nuggets Could Cover the Spread/Win
The Denver Nuggets’ defensive capabilities were a highlight of their regular-season performance, finishing with the fourth-lowest field goal percentage allowed and the eighth-lowest in three-point percentage. This solid defensive foundation was evident as they held the Lakers to 103 points in the first game. Historically, when the Nuggets keep their opponents under 110 points, they have a solid winning record (37-7 this season). If they continue to apply this defensive pressure, especially on home turf, they will probably cover the spread in Game 2.
Nikola Jokic’s scoring ability is another critical factor for the Nuggets. Denver had a commendable record of 40-14 when Jokic scored at least 25 points. His scoring not only boosts the team’s offensive output but also his playmaking and rebounding contribute significantly to the team’s overall performance. The Lakers aim to neutralize him, but ensuring Jokic can continue to score and influence the game remains a priority for the Nuggets. If Jokic can maintain his scoring momentum and the team supports him defensively as they did in Game 1, the Nuggets are well-positioned to secure another victory.
How to Watch
The game will tip off at 10:00 PM ET and broadcast live on TNT. For those betting, watching pre-game injury reports and lineup changes will be essential for last-minute adjustments.
Denver, CO
Here’s Why Garett Bolles’ Days as a Bronco Could be Numbered
The Denver Broncos have a few players with expiring contracts after the 2024 season. While the Broncos should be in a better position as far as the salary cap goes, they won’t be able to keep everyone.
In the coming weeks, I’m going to examine some of the Broncos players who are in the final year of their contracts and might be under consideration for a new deal. While not everyone I will discuss will get extended, they’re the team’s top candidates for a multi-year deal.
For each player, I will look at the arguments for and against extending the player, then consider what may matter the most to the Broncos when it comes to an extension.
We’ll continue this series with left tackle Garett Bolles.
Bolles, a 2017 first-round pick, has become the most consistent performer on the Broncos’ offensive line since 2019. Though his first two seasons were rough, mainly because of penalties, he reduced those flags over time and improved as a pass protector, while remaining consistent as a quality run blocker.
Bolles suffered a broken leg in 2022 but came back with a quality season in 2023. While there had been rumors that he might be traded, it never came to pass and Bolles demonstrated he could still play well.
We have seen other cases of offensive tackle who have been able to play for many years, proving they’re deserving of a third contract. One need only look at somebody like Andrew Whitworth, who played at a high level, even getting Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro awards, well into his mid-30s.
While it’s true that somebody like Quinn Meinerz is younger, it’s not difficult to find offensive guards in the draft. But when you have a quality offensive tackle, he can be difficult to replace. It would be better to commit money to Bolles than to Meinerz.
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There is no guarantee that Bolles will continue to play well beyond 2024. While there are examples of offensive tackles who have played for multiple seasons at a high level, others have declined markedly once they hit their mid-30s.
Bolles may be a good offensive tackle but he’s not an elite player. There may be an argument for keeping an elite offensive tackle around but if said tackle is good but not elite, it won’t be as difficult to replace him.
Meinerz may not play a premium position but he is a younger player with more upside. It’s better to pay the younger player with upside than to play the older player who may be good, but whose decline could come at any moment.
Finally, there is no guarantee that the Broncos will be able to keep Bolles at a reasonable cost. The top offensive tackles average at least $20 million per year. Is that the amount the Broncos should pay to a player who will be 33 years old in 2025?
What leads to an extension likely depends on two factors: How many years the Broncos believe Bolles has left in the tank before his play declines and how much money he wants in a new contract.
Bolles could be in line to seek an extension similar to what Dion Dawkins got from the Buffalo Bills, who gave him a three-year, $60.02M deal through 2029. Though Dawkins had three years left on his previous contract, the amount committed may represent what Bolles would get in an extension.
With that said, the Broncos also have to ask themselves about an extension for Bolles compared to other players, particularly Meinerz. It’s possible the Broncos could keep both, of course, but for now, fans should operate under the assumption that one of Meinerz or Bolles could be extended while the other will be allowed to leave after 2024, and later replaced through the draft.
There’s only so much cash and cap space to go around, after all.
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Denver, CO
Pro-Palestine encampment on Denver’s Auraria Campus empties 23 days later
The anti-war encampment on Denver’s Auraria Campus is now empty after pro-Palestine protests first began 23 days ago.
Removal of the encampment by demonstrators started around 8 p.m. on Friday, with most of it gone by Saturday morning, said Auraria spokesperson Devra Ashby. “The encampment was dispersed in a relatively calm manner, except for blocking Speer and Auraria last night,” she added.
The Auraria Campus announced the dispersal of the Tivoli Quad encampment on Saturday near 1 p.m., citing that cleanup starts today. However, access to the campus buildings remains limited to “critical personnel and operations,” with Tivoli Quad and other green spaces also closed for repairs, according to a statement issued by the campus.
“Leaders have worked diligently towards finding a peaceful resolution,” the statement details. “We hope this will end more than three weeks of unauthorized occupation that has increasingly escalated into dangerous activities, taken significant time, resources, and dialogue with student protesters to resolve, and has pulled us away from our academic mission and goals.”
Protesters first pitched their tents on April 25, with the goal of pressuring the University of Colorado system into cutting ties with Israel, including by divesting from corporations in the Middle Eastern country and ceasing study programs abroad.
Ashby didn’t immediately respond to a question asking whether any of these demands were agreed to by university officials.
On Friday, the University of Colorado Denver told students that classes would take place online “until further notice” due to the encampment, and events held on the Auraria Campus were canceled through next week.
“The encampment was a tool of our protest,” said student activist organization Students for a Democratic Society in an emailed statement. “We are picking up a new one to continue the fight for Palestine.”
Similar protests continue to occur on college campuses nationwide. The latest related developments include a University of Chicago campus building occupied on Friday, the arrest of 19 protesters who tried to occupy a University of Pennsylvania building on Friday and an agreement reached between protesters and Sonoma State University administration on Tuesday in California.
Denver, CO
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