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.
At least seven people were injured in three crashes across Denver between Saturday night and Sunday morning, police said.
The Denver Police Department reported the first crash at 11:20 p.m. Saturday. Two people were injured in a two-car crash near West Colfax Avenue and Kalamath Street, on the edge of Denver’s Lincoln Park and Auraria neighborhoods, police said.
One person was injured in a separate crash involving a motorcycle in the 1200 block of Broadway in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, according to a post from the police department at 1:19 a.m. Sunday.
Paramedics then took four people to the hospital after a two-car crash near Yosemite Street and East 12th Avenue in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood, police wrote on social media at 3:26 a.m. Sunday.
Additional information about the crashes, including the causes, was not immediately available on Sunday.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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RTD’s Proposed September Service Changes are designed to further enhance and strengthen RTD’s transit network by refining service, improving reliability, and better aligning resources with customer needs.
As part of the September 2026 Service Change, RTD is advancing a coordinated set of transit service enhancements designed to strengthen reliability, restore key frequencies, and improve access to major destinations across the system. These proposed changes reflect observed utilization trends, operational performance, and lessons learned during recent reconstruction activities, while maintaining flexibility for future evaluation and adjustment. Several of the recommended enhancements are supported by Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE) grant funding and are intended to restore and expand service consistent with the System Optimization Plan (SOP), noting that final CTE allocations are still in development.
You can view all the proposed changes below and learn more by watching our presentation in English or Spanish.
Customer feedback on the Proposed September Service Changes will be collected through July 8. We invite you to virtually attend our public meetings and Ask a Service Planner sessions, or share your feedback through the online survey. Customer feedback is important to RTD, and we thank you for participating however you can!
Public Meetings
Interpretation is available at no cost. Call 303.299.2051 or email [email protected] at least 5 business days before the meeting and tell us the meeting name, date, and the language(s) you need.
Ask a Service Planner 1: Monday, June 22 at noon
Public Meeting 1: Monday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Ask a Service Planner 2: Tuesday, June 23 at noon
Public Meeting 2: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Proposed September 2026 Service Changes
In addition to the routes listed below, the following routes also have proposed changes:
23 – West 20th Avenue
Route Adjustment, Schedule Timing
Proposed Change
It is proposed to split the existing Route 20 into Route 20 and Route 23, with Route 23 serving the western portion of Route 20 along 20th Ave., terminating at Union Station on the eastern end.
Reason
Maintains connectivity between Lakewood and Edgewater to downtown Denver.
Updated Map
Survey Link
AL – Denver International Airport to Longmont
Service Increase
Proposed Change
New route would provide hourly service from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with service operating from 8th Ave. and Coffman St. to US 287 with a stop at Niwot Park-n-Ride and into Lafayette Park-n-Ride to E-470 to Denver International Airport (DEN).
Reason
Requested by policymakers, stakeholders and customers, service will provide connections from Longmont to Denver Airport via the Lafayette Park-n-Ride
Updated Map
Survey Link
BMFX – Broomfield FlexRide
Service Increase
Proposed Change
Extend weekday service to 9 p.m., with an extra vehicle added during a.m. and p.m. peaks. Add a second vehicle during Saturday peak hours; and implement Sunday service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reason
The City and County of Broomfield requested additional service, which can be supported through available grant funding.
Survey Link
WGFX – Wagon Road FlexRide
Service Reduction
Proposed Change
Discontinue service.
Reason
Low utilization, with service averaging 1 boarding per hour at a cost of $158.33 per boarding.
Survey Link
Dashboard: Routes and Lines
A
Union Station – Denver Airport
- Schedule Timing
- Service Reduction
Change
Schedule adjustments, modifying early morning and evening service frequencies as follows:
3 a.m. to 6 a.m.: 30-minute frequency
6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: 15-minute frequency
7:30 p.m. to end of service: 30-minute frequency (as compared to current schedule, which transitions to 30-minute frequency beginning with the 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. departures)
The proposed change to schedule timing would result in the loss of (2) daily morning trips.
Reason
Adjusting the span of 15-minute service better aligns frequency with customer demand by providing more frequent service later into the evening. Schedule changes also create more consistent departure times during periods of 30-minute service, making the schedule easier to understand while improving operational efficiency and better aligning service with contractual requirements.
C
Littleton•Mineral – Union Station
- Service Increase
Change
It is proposed to permanently reinstate the C Line once Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project is complete.
Reason
Provide a stable and consistent service pattern between Littleton•Mineral Station and Union Station to enhance the customer experience.
D
18th•California – Littleton•Mineral Station
- Service Reduction
Change
It is proposed to permanently discontinue the D Line, which is currently not operating per Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.
Reason
Permanent reinstatement of the C Line will provide service between Littleton•Mineral Station and Union Station, and provide the ability to transfer to Downtown Loop via the I-25•Broadway, Alameda, and 10th•Osage stations.
L
30th•Downing – 16th•Stout
- Route Adjustment
Change
L Line will remain suspended until completion of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project in 2027. Upon project completion, the L Line is proposed to return and operate between 30th•Downing and at least I-25•Broadway. Service beyond I-25•Broadway may be considered based on ridership demand, available funding, and operational needs.
Reason
Upon completion of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, reinstating and enhancing L Line service would restore rail service along the corridor, provide additional connections within the light rail network, and support travel options for customers previously served by the D Line through the Downtown Loop.
T
Lincoln Station – I-25•Broadway Station
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday, and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve passenger connections between the T Line and service to Union Station.
W
Union Station – JeffCo Gov’t Center•Golden Station
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday, and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve on-time performance and prevent track spacing conflicts with the C and E lines.
1
West 1st Avenue
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve on-time performance and service reliability.
9
West 10th Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Realignment of stops along route, and relocation to Gate 9 at Union Station.
Reason
Better serve alternating stops in downtown Denver.
10
East 12th Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Reroute service to Decatur•Federal Station as western terminal via Auraria Pkwy., West Colfax Ave., and Federal Blvd.
Reason
Provide bus connection from Downtown to Decatur/Federal to replace discontinued routing segment of Route 15L.
11
Mississippi Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules while reinstating seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Improve on-time performance and service reliability while aligning with seasonal ridership levels at South High School.
14
West Florida Avenue
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve on-time performance and service reliability.
15
East Colfax Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Implement dedicated lane operations along Colfax Avenue between Broadway and Colorado Blvd. while discontinuing western segment of route that serves Decatur•Federal station.
Reason
Support East Colfax Dedicated Lane Operations per progression of Bus Rapid Transit Project.
15L
East Colfax Limited
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Reroute service to Union Station while implementing dedicated lane operations along Colfax Avenue between Broadway and Colorado Blvd.
Reason
Support East Colfax Dedicated Lane Operations per progression of Bus Rapid Transit Project, with changes to Route 10 serving the portion of discontinued route.
20
20th Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
It is proposed to split the existing Route 20 into Route 20 and Route 23, with Route 20 serving the eastern portion of the route. Decatur•Federal would serve as the western terminal via 15th St., Platte St., Water St., I-25, West Colfax Avenue, and Federal Blvd.
Seasonal tripper service reinstated with morning tripper times adjusted.
Reason
Provide bus connection from Downtown to Decatur/Federal to Replace Route 15L. Better serve East High School morning bell times.
24
University Blvd
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Reinstate seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Align with seasonal ridership levels.
32
West 32nd Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Relocate western terminal from Old Town Arvada Station to Clear Creek Crossing Transfer Center in Wheat Ridge via 32nd Avenue.
Reason
Extends access to Wheat Ridge and facilitates transfers to the 72 and 38 at Clear Creek Crossing Transfer Center.
35
Hampden Avenue
- Service Increase
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Reinstating seasonal tripper service with an additional morning trip to alleviate overcrowding caused by school bell times at John F. Kennedy High School.
Reason
Alleviate overcrowding per school bell times at John F. Kennedy High School.
37
Smith Road Industrial
- Schedule Timing
Change
Shift Westbound trips for better spacing (targeting even 30 minute intervals). Level of service will not be impacted.
Reason
Create clockface headway to make route easier to utilize.
42
Montbello via Albrook / Green Valley Ranch
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Minor schedule adjustments while reinstating seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Improve connections with A Line and operating conditions while aligning with seasonal ridership levels.
45
Montbello / Green Valley Ranch
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules while reinstating seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Improve on-time performance, service reliability and operating conditions while aligning with seasonal ridership levels.
51
Sheridan Blvd
- Service Increase
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Reinstating seasonal tripper service with an additional morning and evening trip to alleviate overcrowding caused by school bell times at John F. Kennedy High School.
Reason
Alleviate overcrowding per school bell times at John F. Kennedy High School.
52
West 52nd Avenue / South Bannock
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Reroute to serve to Ralston Road/64th Avenue in Arvada west of the Independence and 58th intersection.
Reason
Rerouting the 52 maintains coverage to 64th/Ralston Road that would otherwise be lost due to the reroute of the route 72. Note: Western terminal located at W 63rd Ave. and Wright St. would not change.
53
North Sheridan Blvd / Broomfield
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Extend route to Orchard Pkwy and 144th Ave.
Reason
Provide paratransit service to The Grove Community.
59
West Bowles
- Route Adjustment
Change
Relocate westbound departure gate at Downtown•Littleton Station to Gate C.
Reason
Reduce gate conflicts with route 30.
65
Monaco Parkway
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Reinstate seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Align with seasonal ridership levels.
72
72nd Avenue
- Schedule Timing
- Service Increase
- Route Adjustment
Change
Extend route to to Clear Creek Crossing Transfer Center in Wheat Ridge via 58th Ave., adding five weekday trips in the mornings (two eastbound and three westbound).
Reason
Provide additional service and improved connections to Lutheran Hospital earlier in the morning and facilitating transfers to the G line, routes 38 and 32.
73
Quebec Street
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
Realign routing near Belleview Station (with no changes to current bus stop locations or access). Reinstate seasonal tripper service.
Reason
Route change at Belleview to utilize safer turning movements. Align with seasonal ridership levels.
83L
Cherry Creek / Parker Road Limited
- Schedule Timing
- Route Adjustment
Change
Extend route to DUS from Wade Blank Civic Center Station via 15th and 17th streets.
Reason
Requested by policymakers, stakeholders and customers, service will be extended to Denver Union Station (DUS) from Wade Blank Civic Center Station.
105
Havana Street
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve on-time performance, service reliability, and operating conditions.
153
Chambers Road
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor changes to weekday, Saturday and Sunday/Holiday schedules.
Reason
Improve on-time performance, service reliability, and operating conditions.
204
Table Mesa / Moorhead / North 19th
- Schedule Timing
Change
Adjust northbound running times between 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Reason
Improve on-time performance, service reliability, and operating conditions.
206
Conestoga / Arapahoe / Fairview High School
- Schedule Timing
Change
Southbound 7:57 a.m. trip adjusted.
Reason
Account for traffic delays due to 8:30 a.m. school start time.
225
Boulder / Lafayette via Baseline
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
Adjust route to return service to Willoughby Corner before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. while reinstating fall/winter service levels.
Reason
Align with seasonal ridership levels.
228
Lafayette / Louisville / Broomfield
- Service Reduction
Change
Discontinue service.
Reason
Low utilization, with service averaging 4 boardings per hour at a cost of $33.31 per boarding.
323
Skyline Crosstown
- Schedule Timing
Change
Shift the 5:52 p.m. weekday, eastbound trip from Bent/DryCreek to 6 p.m.
Reason
Allow for improved connections at 8th Ave. and Coffman St.
AB1
Airport to Boulder
- Schedule Timing
Change
Adjust schedules to align trips into a consistent 30-minute, clock-face pattern (:00 and :30) between US 36 and Table Mesa Park-n-Ride and Denver International Airport (DEN).
Reason
Create more consistent headways from Table Mesa PnR to Denver International Airport
AB2
Airport to Boulder
- Schedule Timing
Change
Adjust schedules to align trips into a consistent 30-minute, clock-face pattern (:00 and :30) between US 36 and Table Mesa Park-n-Ride and Denver International Airport (DEN).
Reason
Create more consistent headways from Table Mesa PnR to Denver International Airport
ART
Art District Connector
- Route Adjustment
Change
Current northbound detour made permanent.
Reason
Traffic-calming infrastructure at 36th Ave. and Marion St prevents current routing.
DASH
Boulder / Lafayette via Louisville
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
Reinstate service to Willoughby Corner before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m., with minor schedule adjustments and reinstatement of fall/winter service levels.
Reason
Improve on-time performance and service reliability while supporting seasonal ridership levels.
FREERIDE
16th Street FreeRide
- Schedule Timing
Change
Minor schedule adjustments to weekend service.
Reason
Improve on-time performance.
JUMP
Boulder / Lafayette / Erie via Arapahoe
- Route Adjustment
Change
Route would also serve Gate J at Downtown Boulder Station (Gate M will remain depature gate).
Reason
Addition of service to Gate J allows for safer turn movements from the current routing while improving boarding conditions of paratransit customers who have reported difficulty crossing Canyon Street. Support seasonal ridership levels.
LD
Longmont / Denver
- Schedule Timing
Change
Adjust the 5:30 p.m. departure from Union Station to 5:40 p.m.
Reason
Better align with travel patterns and other departure times at Union Station.
LX2
Longmont / Denver Express
- Schedule Timing
Change
Adjust the 4:06 p.m. departure from Union Station to 4:20 p.m.
Reason
Better align with travel patterns and other departure times at Union Station.
NB1
Boulder / Nederland / Eldora
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
It is proposed to reinstate seasonal service to Eldora Ski Resort.
Reason
Provide service to/from Eldora Ski Resort.
NB2
Boulder / Nederland / Eldora
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
- Route Adjustment
Change
It is proposed to reinstate seasonal service to Eldora Ski Resort.
Reason
Provide service to/from Eldora Ski Resort.
SKIP
Broadway (Boulder)
- Schedule Timing
- Seasonal Adjustment
Change
Minor adjustments to weekday schedules while reinstating fall/winter service levels.
Reason
Improve on-time performance while aligning with seasonal ridership levels.
ILFX
Interlocken / Westmoor FlexRide
- Service Increase
Change
Extend weekday service to 9 p.m.
Reason
The City and County of Broomfield requested additional service, which can be supported through available grant funding.
DENVER (KDVR) — An early morning fire on Friday left a home completely ablaze in the Highlands neighborhood, just a week after another house under construction went up in flames in the same area.
The Denver Fire Department shared photos of the incident, as crews were called to 3643 Mariposa, where images show a fully consumed home under construction.
“I think they [firefighters] kicked in the neighbor’s door just to make sure nobody was at home,” neighbors Lucy and Kyle said. “Some of the other houses, their windows got blown out from the heat!”
Just 11 days earlier, on June 8, a home under construction caught fire in the same neighborhood near West 33rd and Navajo. Nobody was hurt in either fire.
And just about two years earlier, in July, another fire in the same area ignited around West 36th and Osage. All of the properties are/were under development by the same group.
“I wasn’t present for any of the fires,” Ryan Yoffe, a member of the developer group, said.
Yoffe does say he thinks he knows how the last two fires had been set, saying it’s the City of Denver that needs to do better with surveillance.
“It’s likely related to the amount of homelessness in the area, looking for properties under construction to live in or burn down,” Yoffe said. “The City and the Police Department need to do a better job patrolling to limit the number of homeless people camping in the neighborhood.”
Denver Fire Department officials say the most recent incidents are under investigation, but that nobody was hurt in either.
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