NBA Opening Night Best Bets and Bold Predictions: Lakers vs. Nuggets

Denver, the defending champion, is favored at home Tuesday night against Los Angeles.

The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the conference finals during last year’s impressive playoff run and Denver, the defending NBA champions, will begin this season at home against Los Angeles, one of its toughest challengers in the West.

Nikola Jokić and LeBron James, two of the league’s best players, are set to share the court at Ball Arena on Tuesday night in the first of three meetings between their respective teams. The Nuggets and Lakers split the season series 2–2 a year ago before they met in the postseason.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Odds

Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-110) | Nuggets -4.5 (-118)
Moneyline: LAL (+170) | DEN (-213)
Total: 228.5 — Over (-118) | Under (-118)
Game Info: Tuesday, Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT

Home reps before takeoff 🛫 pic.twitter.com/37qcwJET7h

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 23, 2023

The last time Los Angeles won its season opener was 2016. What’s more impressive, the reigning champs are 4–1 in the first game of the season over the last five years. (The Lakers are responsible for the lone loss.) Denver also defends home court extremely well, evidenced by its 34–7 regular-season record in the Mile High City last season, which it followed up with a 10–1 mark in the playoffs.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

James and Anthony Davis each had a 40-point game in the WCF, but they were ultimately outdueled by Jokić and Jamal Murray, who return with largely the same supporting cast, sans Bruce Brown. It might take James and the new-look Lakers some time to start clicking — remember, this team started 2–10 last season.

Take the Nuggets to cover on the night they unveil the franchise’s first banner and count on Murray to be at the center of that winning effort.

Best Bet: Nuggets -4.5 (-110)

Bold Prediction: Jamal Murray Leads All Players in Scoring

---

Colorado, Michigan and Virginia Readers: Get up to $100 from SI Sportsbook

Bet $5 on FanDuel and get $200 in Bonus Bets if not in those states

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the National Council for Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and its partners may receive compensation for links to products and services on this website.