Lakers-Nuggets Game 2 betting preview: Offenses starting to roll

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If Game 1 fazed the Los Angeles Lakers, we didn't see it on Friday. Their offense exploded en route to a 126-114 win over the Denver Nuggets - a breath of fresh air for the storied franchise after it dropped both previous playoff openers.

Will the Lakers win and cover on Sunday, or will the Nuggets stay inside the number? Here's all the info you need for Game 2.

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5, 213.5)

Oddsmakers had no other choice but to open this total a couple of points higher after Friday's scoring outburst. The first game's total of 210 was the lowest for the Lakers in the playoffs and the second-lowest for the Nuggets. Unless the offenses go missing, expect the new norm to shift to the 213-214 range in this series.

The case for the Nuggets

We mentioned Los Angeles' struggles, but playoff openers don't seem to be Denver's forte, either. The team has been outscored now by a combined 35 points in the last two Game 1's.

There were some offensive openings against an elite Lakers defense, albeit late in garbage time. The Nuggets shot close to 50% from the floor and nearly won the rebounding battle. Their downfall was turning the ball over 16 times, allowing 16 points in transition, and not picking up until the fourth quarter.

Additionally, the Nuggets were five points away from a cover despite only 42 combined points from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray - a tandem averaging better than 52 during the postseason. If they get going, you can mark Denver down for a cover, and maybe a win to boot, in Game 2.

The case for the Lakers

The Lakers are officially the hottest team in the playoffs with Miami's Game 3 loss to Boston. They now have five straight wins and covers dating back to the second-round series versus Houston.

Tempo and ball movement were key for L.A. in Game 1 - Anthony Davis hung 37, five players had double figures, and the Lakers dropped at least 120 on the Nuggets for the third straight meeting.

The offense is rolling right now, with the unit shooting better than 48% from the field in five straight. If you're looking to bet the Lakers here, they're in a perfect spot: They've covered five straight as favorites.

Notable betting trends

• The Nuggets are 4-0 ATS the last four Sunday games
• The Nuggets are 6-1-1 ATS the last eight after allowing 100 or more points
• The Nuggets are 8-3 ATS the last 11 as playoff underdogs
• The Nuggets are 6-1-2 to the under the last nine overall
• The Lakers are 5-0 ATS the last five overall
• The Lakers are 7-0 ATS playing on one day's rest
• The Lakers are 4-1 to the under the last five on one day's rest

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.