How will Denver’s high altitude affect the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2?

Game 1 of the Western Conference finals was amazing. 

After being down by 21 points, the Los Angeles Lakers stormed back to cut the Denver Nuggets lead within three points with about two minutes left. 

LeBron James missed a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left in the game, and Nikola Jokic made both of his free throws on the Nuggets’ next possession to seal the Nuggets 132-126 victory.

But you know the old saying that a series doesn't begin until someone steals a game on the road? The Lakers will have their next chance in two days.

Since the next game isn’t until Thursday in Denver, the Lakers will have spent four days in Denver’s vaunted high altitude.

More than two days at high altitudes can cause the effects of altitude sickness, such as fatigue and shortness of breath when exercising, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves played 42 minutes, and LeBron James played 40 minutes in Game 1. The Lakers presumed big three played heavy minutes in Game 1, plus the high altitude could ensure trouble.

The Nuggets are undefeated (7-0)  at home in the 2023 playoffs.

Since 2017, the Nuggets in the first home game of a playoff series are 3-4 overall, 2-3 against the spread, and the average overall score is 219 points. 

In the second home game of a series, they are 5-2 overall, 4-1 ATS, and the average overall score is 221.

Denver is currently a -5.5 favorite in Game 2, the same as Game 1.