cruise room denver

UponArriving

Denver’s Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel: The Longest Running Bar in Town

Denver boasts a treasure trove of historic destinations.

From the legendary Buckhorn Exchange , hailed as the city’s oldest dining establishment, to the venerable Four Mile House , a sentinel of history standing proud as Denver’s oldest enduring structure.

Yet, for those with an appetite for diving into the annals of time while savoring a libation, the Cruise Room emerges as an absolute gem.

Within its historic walls, an evocative ambiance reminiscent of the 1930s awaits. Recently, I embarked on my own visit to the Cruise Room, and here’s how the experience went.

What is the “Cruise Room?”

The Cruise Room is an iconic bar and lounge located in the Oxford Hotel in Lower Downtown (LoDo) Denver, Colorado. It is the longest operating bar in Denver, opening its doors on a very special day of December 5, 1933.

What was so special about this day?

Well, it marked a milestone that resonates with a significant turning point in American history.

On that very day, the curtains were drawn on the era of Prohibition, the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Before its grand public debut, it had a clandestine life as a speakeasy, offering a secret haven for patrons to savor illicit libations during the Prohibition era. And after it opened in 1933, its doors never shuttered.

Beyond its reputation as one of the region’s oldest bars, the Cruise Room draws visitors in with its distinctive art deco design, a masterpiece crafted by Charles Jaka.

Notably, Jaka is also the creative mind behind the iconic Observation Bar on the RMS Queen Mary, a historic ship that includes dining establishments, a museum, and a hotel, currently located in Long Beach, California . His design for this bar was a tribute to the very essence of the Queen Mary itself.

With its sleek lines and an aesthetic inspired by ocean liners, it’s no wonder that the bar earned its fitting moniker, the “Cruise Room,” seamlessly whisking patrons away on a voyage of style and nostalgia.

Take note of the special shape of the bar which actually resembles a wine bottle.

Gazing upon the walls, your attention might be drawn to the intricately carved panels adorned with succinct expressions. These panels pay homage to various ports of call for the Queen Mary, each encapsulating the essence of toasting traditions and cocktail culture from its respective location.

Each of the panels are original except for those of Italy and Germany which were reportedly taken down during World War II by soldiers staying at the hotel.

You can find a nice selection of drinks at the bar ranging from an Old Fashioned to a Tom Collins but they are specifically known for their martinis.

As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, it’s always a little bit weird spending time in bars and checking them out but they had a good selection of non-alcoholic cocktails including the “bee sting” which I went with and thoroughly enjoyed.

The bartenders, while very busy, were also very on point.

As for food, it’s limited to small plates, such as oysters, olives, and cheese and charcuterie samplers. If you’re looking for a full meal, you can head to the hotel’s attached restaurant, Urban Farmer.

At one end of the bar, an enticing jukebox awaits, though regrettably, it was out of service during my visit. Nevertheless, the air was alive with melodies as they continued to fill the bar.

Something else that is special about the history of the bar is that it’s located in the historic Oxford Hotel, which holds the distinction of being the oldest operating hotel in Denver.

Established in 1891, the Oxford Hotel has a rich and storied past that is deeply intertwined with the city’s history. This iconic establishment has retained much of its original charm and architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into Denver’s past.

Interestingly, the Oxford Hotel has gained a reputation for being haunted. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity within the hotel’s premises.

The Cruise Room, as an integral part of the Oxford Hotel, also shares in this supernatural reputation, making it a unique and intriguing destination for both history enthusiasts and those interested in the paranormal. It’s haunting largely revolves around the “ Postman .” 

Believed to be the apparition of a postman from the 1930s who lost his way while on a mission to deliver Christmas gifts, he is often seen sitting at the bar, ordering a beer, and then disappearing. When the bartender goes to check on him, they find the beer bottle is still full.

If you’re in Denver looking for an interesting historic spot, then the Cruise Room is definitely a great contender. Its unique blend of Prohibition-era nostalgia, speakeasy heritage, and the vibrant spirit of post-repeal revelry make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Denver’s rich past while savoring the present.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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The Cruise Room – Denver

Located within the Oxford Hotel in Lower Downtown (LoDo) Denver, the Cruise Room is a relic of post-prohibition glamor. With its art deco aesthetic, moody red lighting, and a jukebox of jazz music, patrons can step into the past while enjoying posh cocktails in their intimate black booths or at the adjacent bar.

Cruise Room is the longest operating bar in Denver, serving the city’s swankiest since 1933.

History and Design

The Oxford Hotel first opened in 1891, making it the oldest running hotel in Denver. It was intended to serve those coming in through the newly built Union Station nearby, as railroads allowed a surge in travel and migration.

Frank E. Edbrooke, recognized for his considerable contributions to the architecture of Downtown Denver , was behind the Oxford’s original design. It featured a bar that in the following decades would be transformed into the illustrious Cruise Room.

This space continued to serve throughout Prohibition as a speakeasy , building its reputation as an exclusive yet inviting drinking destination. The Cruise Room officially opened its doors the day after Prohibition was repealed and has successfully retained its vibe of formerly forbidden fun.

Its design and decor take inspiration from the Observation Bar, a lounge that once served travelers aboard the Queen Mary. Perhaps its most intricate feature is the large panels adorning the walls carved by Alley Henson. The panels have been preserved throughout the decades and commemorate toasting traditions from different corners of the world.

The hotel’s deep roots have given way to multiple ghost stories. Perhaps the most well-known is that of the Cruise Room’s most regular customer, a peculiar postman reported by multiple workers who guzzles down his beer at the bar while the bottle remains full. Legend has it, in the 1930s the poor soul set out to deliver Christmas gifts to the children of Central City but succumbed to the harsh weather conditions before completing his mission.

Cocktails and Cuisine

The comprehensive drink menu offers a long list of vintage-inspired cocktails, wine, beer, and a full liquor selection. Don’t miss out on trying one of their famous martinis that has been mastered throughout the last century.

Though the Cruise Room’s food menu is limited, guests can snack on a selection of savory small plates, including caviar, kafta, oysters, and calamari. For those with a larger appetite, the Oxford Hotel’s attached restaurant, Urban Farmer is just around the corner and offers a full dinner menu. This well-hidden cocktail lounge is the perfect pre or post-dinner stop, within walking distance of some of the greatest restaurants in LoDo.

Address: 1600 17th St, Denver CO 80202

Phone: 303-262-6070

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5 pm to 10 pm, Fri-Sat: 5 pm to 11 pm

Website: theoxfordhotel.com/eat-drink/the-cruise-room

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Cruise Room

Hours updated 2 weeks ago

Popular drinks

Old Fashioned

Dirty Martini

Tom Collins

Review Highlights

“ . The Cruise Room opened inside the Oxford Hote l the day after Prohibition was repealed and ended for Colorado ” in 47 reviews

“ The fantastic art deco themed room, red lighting and quiet jazz combine to create a very cool retro sort of vibe. ” in 18 reviews

“ Food is from McCormick 's, which is a shame to combine a classic with a chain restaurant, but what can you do. ” in 38 reviews

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Located in:

The Oxford Hotel

1600 17th St Co

Oxford Hotel

Denver, CO 80202

Lodo, Northwest

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Is this place still open? Heard it was shut down. :(

They were temporarily closed for renovations but reopened as of this past weekend.

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Overall rating

372 reviews

Waited for over 20mins to be greeted by anyone!! Cocktail waitresses should be talked to about how to greet or at least say that they are busy etc... Service was horrible so we left this was a Sunday night. So, may lights shine on you,if you go another day.

In Denver often for work and a friend suggested I check this place out. Really cool speak easy type bar. I had a delicious Manhattan, very well done. The bar is pricey but that's expected, it's a pretty classy place. Definitely worth stopping in for at least one drink.

The Cruise room is Denver at its best. Friendly waitstaff and perfect crafted cocktails. If you're impatient with waiting a few minutes for an amazing cocktail this aint your place! Give a few sit back enjoy the red vibe and play a tune or 3 in the jukebox. Dress to impress or jeans n Tshirt. Its all Colorado all the time at the Cruise room. Get there at 430 or at 515 seating is tight for regular good ole Denver folk. Appetizer are great. If you like Manhattans get the dark Manhattan. Its made with dark Italian liquor in place of bitters or vermouth i forget. Had a few Manhattans at the suggestion of Julie my awesome professional beverage waitstaff hostess - you're great you know who you are! GET SOME!

What: Birthday party for miss Katie T. When: 7pm. Theme?: "Mad Men" inspired, 60's chic. Where: CRUISE ROOM [awesomely known for their martinis!] In celebrating a birthday party, we got all dolled up in our best "mad men" attire and had a night on the town...Donald Draper style! It's easy to see why everyone loves this place. Super tall and roomy booths, dim and intimate lighting perfect for something special, an extensive martini list [just about anything and everything you can imagine!], a wonderful food menu [try the calimari!] and some of the best wait staff around. i love you cruise room. i just do :)

This place was recommended to a bunch of us who have never to Denver by a waiter. We thought it was... Okay. The lighting and inside decor was interesting, my friends liked it, I thought it gave the place an Amsterdam vibe... The waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks, however the service was very slow and the place got very crowded very fast. Also the drinks were just meh. I had the Oxford punch which tasted like diluted tea, none of the people I were with enjoyed their drinks either. It was mostly because every glass was overflowing with crushed ice which diluted everything down. At any rate, could be a good place to go if you're around the area just for the novelty of it, but I don't think I'd be going back when I visit Denver again.

Zero stars. Was treated poorly by the snarky hipster bartender when my clients were patrons of the hotel. Zeroooooo stars. Rude rude rude rude rude. Never in my life have I seen such horrible and unprofessional service by a bartender.

One of the best bars in Denver. Great atmosphere. Professional service. TONS of drink options. We had 6 different cocktails in my group and all were fantastic. In the heart of downtown. A cool and fun place to take visitors to.

Crowded dirty bar. When they say they close at 11, they actually mean 10. So don't waste your time

Lovely environment...however, I was brought in on a tour and when the bartender looked at our group I got an eye roll and a great view of his back as he turned around. I ended up going next door because standing there for almost 10 minutes I couldn't get his attention.

Thanks to a fellow Yelper in Boston, we found the Cruise Room. Very cool bar with an interesting and mixed crowd. Service was friendly, and the drinks were delicious! The art deco room is great. The lights look like the original neon, and the murals showing how to say "cheers" around the world are fun (though the drop ceiling tiles need to go). Definitely a good time.

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The Cruise Room Bar

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It’s rumored that Stephen King was inspired by this moody deco landmark when he wrote about the hotel bar in The Shining . The Cruise Room in the historic Oxford Hotel is an authentic post-Prohibition bar with its original chrome and neon, drenching the walls with a stirring pink hue. Score a booth, select a Louis Armstrong tune on the free jukebox that actually plays records, order a dirty martini, or three, or four. If you drink enough, you may see Jack Nicholson perched at the bar.

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All work and no play makes jack a dull boy.

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The Oxford Hotel

The Oxford Hotel stands today as an iconic Denver landmark, rooted in its unique history and groundbreaking beginnings of 1891. In the bustling heart of downtown, guests step through our doors and feel taken back to a simpler, more quaint point in time. From the classic artwork hung on our walls to the custom, tailored service reminiscent of the Gilded Age, The Oxford offers guests a truly unique Denver hotel experience.

• Historic Properties
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• Culinary Gem
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• Pet Friendly

Music on The Mezz

Enjoy musical performances every Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Listen to the soothing sounds of local musicians while sipping on our Signature 1891 Whiskey.

Cruise Room

A hidden gem preserved in the chic glamour of the Prohibition-era, The Cruise Room is an iconic local landmark. Sleek and inviting, The Cruise Room showcases a wide array of unique design features, including a distinct Art Deco design and wine bottle-shaped layout.

Step Through History

Beginning with the elegance of Gilded Age, our historic Denver hotel has always adapted to the changing world. From the Art Deco stylings of the 1930s and the tourism boom of the 1950s, to major renovations in the 1980’s, The Oxford Hotel is a true reflection of Denver throughout history.

Art Collection

Roam the halls of The Oxford Hotel and see our rich history come alive through our art collection. Showcasing works from John Fery and Adolphe-William Bouguereau, our collection of art features everything from Western landscapes to Art Deco masterpieces.

The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon

Stimulate your senses and discover unmatched luxury at The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon. Enjoy a revitalizing and holistic approach to wellness, including spa services, a full-service hair salon, modern fitness center, and high-end boutique.

Experiences

Find your next adventure below! This hotel has curated these unique, local experiences for you to enjoy. Reserve your experience now, then complete your hotel reservation!

All That Jazz

A Music-Filled Evening of Romance

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The Cruise Room

Dinner menu, fried calamari, ahi and salmon sashimi, king crab and bay shrimp cakes, cajun popcorn shrimp, soups and salads, spring pea soup, crab bisque, french onion soup, mixed greens, caesar salad, grilled seafood, alaskan halibut, homer, alaska, ahi (yellowfin) tuna, wild sockeye salmon, fish house classics, mccormicks etouffee, fried gulf shrimp scatter platter", seafood newburg, true cod fish and chips, atlantic salmon penne, steaks, poultry and shellfish, 12oz rib eye steak, 6oz petit filet mignon, 9oz filet mignon, 10oz top sirloin, whole maine lobster.

• Per Pound $24.95

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The Cruise Room

1659 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202

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Welcome to The Oxford Hotel

An icon among denver hotels.

Found at the intersection of timeless elegance and modern luxury, The Oxford Hotel stands today as an iconic Denver landmark, rooted in its unique history and groundbreaking beginnings of 1891. In the bustling heart of downtown, guests step through our doors and feel taken back to a simpler, more quaint point in time. From the classic artwork hung on our walls to the custom, tailored service reminiscent of the Gilded Age, The Oxford offers guests a truly unique Denver hotel experience.The Oxford was thrilled to be named the “Favorite Hotel in Denver” for 2023 by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

With more than 100 years under our belt, we are your key to refined comfort as we continue to set the standard for loyal and exceptional service. As the most historic hotel in Denver, The Oxford Hotel has been a part of the city since the beginning, and always will be.

Always Oxford.

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Accommodations, a unique denver getaway.

Our guest rooms and suites combine historic charm and contemporary service in an ideal downtown location. Spacious and bright, our accommodations feature convenient amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and HD TVs as well as thoughtful touches like rich drapery, antique headboards, and more.

Superior Classic

With each room offering a unique design, our Superior Classic rooms include Art Deco or Victorian details paired with modern amenities.

Deluxe Classic

Our recently updated Deluxe Classic rooms showcase a Victorian style and feature additional space, bright natural light, and views of the Lower Downtown neighborhood.

Deluxe Classic Double

Unwind in our newly refreshed Deluxe Classic rooms, each featuring a Victorian style design, an additional 100 square feet of living space, tall ceilings, and abundant natural light.

Premium Classic

The spacious Premium Classic room features Victorian-era décor and bright natural light. The luxurious bathroom includes thoughtful touches like a clawfoot soaking tub, pedestal sinks, and a glass shower.

Premium Corner

The artfully-inspired Premium Corner rooms offer plenty of natural light, views of LoDo, and iconic 19th century details. The luxury ensuite bathroom includes a clawfoot tub, his-and-her sinks and a standing glass shower.

Junior Suite

Everything you need can be found in our Victorian-inspired Junior Suites, including a separate living area, sleeper sofa, and bright natural lighting.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is our largest suite and features a sprawling Victorian-inspired living space, separate sitting room with a sleeper sofa, and decorative fireplaces.

Unlock the Oxford

The Oxford Hotel is Denver’s most historic hotel located in the ever-so popular neighborhood of Lower Downtown, LoDo. Opened in 1891, our hotel is the first of downtown Denver hotels. Within walking distance to the finest restaurants, shops, and businesses in LoDo, guests can explore downtown and return to plush couches, welcoming staff and authentic luxury. Uniquely combining elements of the past with today’s modern conveniences, The Oxford continues to provide guests with a comfortable and classic experience.

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Host an unforgettable gathering.

Set the stage for a dazzling social event or productive business meeting in our meeting and event venues. Whether you need to impress an important client or wow your friends and family, our venues offer unmatched style and luxury for any occasion.

Denver Dining

Dig in to the local flavor.

From a Prohibition-era cocktail bar to a rustic-chic steakhouse, The Oxford Hotel has something to satisfy all of your cravings. Stop by the iconic Cruise Room to sample one of our famous martinis or treat yourself to a hearty and locally-sourced meal at Urban Farmer.

Happily Ever After Starts in Denver

Plan the wedding of your dreams in the heart of downtown Denver in our charming and elegant venues. Toast this once-in-a-lifetime occasion from the illustrious Grand Ballroom or opt for a more intimate affair in the stylishly quaint Sage Room. Bringing your perfect day to life is simple with personalized services from our on-site wedding planners.

The Oxford Club & Spa

Unwind & indulge.

Feel refreshed during your stay in Denver at our on-site health and wellness club. The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon features an indulgent spa, luxury salon, state-of-the art fitness center, and premium boutique. Rejuvenate your senses and enjoy a day of rest and relaxationin the heart of downtown Denver.

Great hotel

Class, style, accommodating, very friendly service, and all with an historic, art deco charm that you seldom see elsewhere. There are unique accents everywhere of rich, style details from the amazing hotel lobby to the beautiful elevator. Our room was spacious, elegant, and comfortable with the biggest bath towels I've ever found in a hotel.

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Denver nuggets | denver nuggets vs. los angeles lakers: who has the edge, five things to watch and predictions.

As the Denver Nuggets enter the Western Conference playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, a breakdown of their first-round rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers:

Who has the edge?

Guards: D’Angelo Russell was a defensive liability in the Western Conference Finals last season, and his offense seemed to suffer from it. The Nuggets, namely Bruce Brown, played him off the floor. An 18-point-per-game scorer reached double figures in only one of the four games, piling extra responsibility on Austin Reaves’ shoulders. This season, Reaves’ 3-point shooting dropped three percentage points, but Russell’s improved to 41.5%. He was the unheralded MVP of the Lakers’ play-in victory over New Orleans. If the Nuggets can close out strong to him and expose him again at the defensive end, they’ll tilt the series. The best news for Denver: Jamal Murray is a matchup problem for the Lakers, and it showed last year. The Nuggets won his minutes by 11.6 points per 100 possessions in the 2023 series, an even better net rating than Nikola Jokic’s minutes yielded. Neither Russell nor Reaves should have an answer defensively for Murray. Edge: Nuggets.

Wings: After Game 3 in Los Angeles, LeBron James will have played an entire 82-game season’s worth of first-round playoff games in his career. He is 62-17 so far, and in the 16 first-round series he has been a part of, he has advanced 15 times. James’ defense has taken an understandable dive with age, but he’s still defying categorization (Is he a wing? Or a big?) as the engine of a Los Angeles offense that ranked sixth in the NBA over the last 15 games of the regular season. At 39, he has produced the best jump-shooting campaign of his Hall of Fame career at 41% beyond the arc. Aaron Gordon, doubling as Denver’s backup center, will be James’ primary defender, but the Nuggets have other strong wing defenders they can throw at him, from Peyton Watson to Christian Braun. Los Angeles would likely rather get Michael Porter Jr. or Murray switched onto James as often as possible. Edge: Lakers.

Bigs:  How many minutes at a time can the Lakers depend on Anthony Davis to guard Nikola Jokic straight up, before they decide they need to mix up coverages? On paper, the post matchup at the center of this series is as epic as it’s ever been: Davis is a deserving Defensive Player of the Year candidate on an otherwise defensively flawed team. Jokic represents the synthesis of power and finesse on offense. But recent evidence reveals this showdown to be more skewed than it should be. In Denver’s ongoing eight-game win streak against the Lakers, Jokic is averaging 26.6 points (54.2% from the floor), 14.4 rebounds and 11.3 assists. In short: The Lakers aren’t taking away his scoring or facilitating. They can experiment with gimmicky coverages all they want (see: Davis roams the court while Rui Hachimura is Jokic’s primary ), but those only tend to work for so long before Jokic finds a solution. Eventually, if Los Angeles wants to conquer the champs, Davis needs to hold up mano-a-mano against Jokic and match his production. Edge: Nuggets .

Bench:  Reggie Jackson and Spencer Dinwiddie probably cancel each other out. Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are inconsistent, but Taurean Prince and Gabe Vincent shouldn’t be striking much fear into them. The Pelicans would have been a problem in this area. They feature a top-three bench in the NBA. But the Lakers and Nuggets both typically lose their bench minutes, so the second units should be fairly negligible in determining the outcome of the series. And for Denver, when Jokic isn’t on the floor, negligible is a win. Edge: Nuggets.

Coaching:  There was a prolonged moment this season when Darvin Ham was rumored to be on the hot seat. Maybe he still is. Either way, the ground is firm beneath Michael Malone’s feet for a reason. In Denver’s Game 82 last week, he moved past George Karl to become the second-winningest regular-season coach in franchise history. Edge: Nuggets.

— Bennett Durando, The Denver Post

Five things to watch

1. No Fake Show : Before the Lakers’ play-in matchup at New Orleans, a few L.A. media members suggested the team should throw the game in order to avoid a first-round matchup with the Nuggets . Unsurprisingly, that idea was emphatically rejected in the Lakers locker room. After taking down the Pelicans to clinch a playoff rematch, forward Anthony David declared they are “ not ducking the smoke .” Head coach Darvin Ham castigated the “ insane asylum sources ” who dared suggest such a scheme. And LeBron James declared, “It’s about just winning.” While the Lakers might not be afraid, one thing is crystal clear: The Nuggets are living rent-free in Lakers Nation’s heads.

2. One-sided rivalry : Of course, the Southland has good reason to want no part of the Nuggets. The main one: The defending champs are going on eight straight wins against the Lakers, including all three of this year’s regular-season matchups, last spring’s four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals and a 122-109 home win in early January 2023. This year’s defeats have been especially troublesome for the LakeShow, given that two came in L.A. on the nights Kobe Bryant’s statue was unveiled and LeBron James passed 40,000 career points . As for the third? That was Ring Night at Ball Arena .

3. Monitoring Jamal : The one dark cloud looming over Denver’s title defense: Jamal Murray’s health. The veteran guard missed seven straight games near the end of the regular season and 23 total this season due to multiple leg injuries. The Nuggets were 13-10 in those games, underscoring a reality already made clear the two previous postseasons when he was sidelined by an ACL tear: The Nuggets need Murray to win a title. He’s been as good as ever this season with career-high averages in points (21.2) and assists (6.5), and career-best shooting numbers (48.1% overall, 42.5% from 3). Asked about Murray’s availability earlier this week, head coach Michael Malone expressed little worry: “Jamal is a warrior; he’ll be ready to go.”

4. Marking D-Lo : Last spring, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell got played off the floor in the conference finals. A year later, he was L.A.’s savior against New Orleans in the play-in round with five 3s, including a corner 3 in the waning minutes that all but sealed the win. The performance continued what’s been something of a renaissance season for Russell, who shot a career-best 41.5% from 3 while averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists. If the Nuggets are going to blitz the Lakers’ screens as they’ve done in the past, this much is known: They cannot afford to leave Russell unattended.

5. Bench rotation : Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been relatively predictable with his substitution patterns throughout the second half of the season, with Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Reggie Jackson and Justin Holiday regular contributors. Starters’ minutes almost always rise in the postseason, however, leading to shrinking opportunities for the reserves. That was the case last year for Malone, who limited himself to three subs during Denver’s title run. If that’s the case again, who’s the odd man out?

— Matt Schubert, The Denver Post

Staff Predictions

Bennett Durando, Nuggets beat writer:  I’m inclined to warn this might not be as lopsided as last year, when LeBron James appeared to be running out of gas toward the end of every game, having already shepherded the underdog Lakers through multiple rounds. The circumstances are more aligned in their favor this time. But there’s just no getting around the fact that Denver is the better team with the better player. It’ll end in the same building. Nuggets in six.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Let’s make this simple — if D’Angelo Russell is great, the Nuggets are in trouble. Bron’s gonna Bron. AD’s gonna AD. This thing probably comes down to roster spots 3-7, and the Nuggs still win that matchup 98 times out of 100. Now if Russell catches fire? Clutch those rosary beads. History says he won’t, though: Over the Lakers guard’s last six games vs. Denver, he’s shooting 22.2% on treys (6 of 27) and 35.7% from the floor (20 of 56). The worse seed in the history of playoff meetings between the Nuggs-Lakers has never won a series. If you don’t trust your eyes, trust the math. In this case, trust both. Nuggets in six.

Ryan McFadden, sports reporter:  Even though the Lakers are underdogs, it’s hard to see Denver sweeping them again. Los Angeles has played solid lately, winning seven of its last nine, including a victory over the Pelicans in the play-in round. Even at the age of 39, James is playing elite basketball. At the same time, it’s hard to bet against Nikola Jokic and the benefit of home-court advantage. It’ll will be interesting to see how Peyton Watson handles a bigger role in this year’s postseason, but I have full confidence in Denver taking care of business in the first round. Nuggets in five. 

Troy Renck, sports columnist:  Nuggets in three. Is that a thing? The Lakers figured they would have to face the Nuggets at some point, so why not in the first round when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are fresh? The Lakers can compete with the Nuggets. They just can’t beat the Nuggets. The only chance of an upset is if D’Angelo Russell, who was a liability vs. Denver last postseason, makes more big shots than Tom Cruise in “Cocktail.” He’s good. He’s not that good. Nuggets in five.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: It’s hard to argue against eight straight Nuggets wins vs. the Lakers, Jamal Murray (29.7 points, 6.6 assists, 5.9 rebounds) shooting laser beams out of his eyes during said streak, or (soon to be) three MVPs in four seasons for Nikola Jokic. It’s also hard to argue against LeBron James’ 15-1 series record in the first round, King James and Anthony Davis getting the benefit of more rest in the spread-out opening round, and D’Angelo Russell’s recent star turn on the perimeter. Then again, maybe it isn’t. Nuggets in five.

Series schedule

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