NBA Opening Day is here, and the 78th regular season kicks off with an exciting doubleheader on TNT.
Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals, followed by Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns visiting Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Odds available are from our recommended top sports betting apps:
Check out our NBA Opening Day 2023 odds and picks for Lakers vs. Nuggets and Suns vs. Warriors. Learn more about our online sportsbook promotions, including BetMGM offering up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first wager loses with BetMGM bonus code TODAY.
More NBA coverage: Best NBA Betting Sites | NBA Odds | NBA Finals Odds
Lakers vs Nuggets Odds
The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals last season, but all four games were competitive and decided in the final six minutes. As the Nuggets receive their championship rings, the major storyline is the back-and-forth between Denver head coach Mike Malone and the Lakers.
Malone took a couple of shots at the Lakers during the offseason, and it sets up one of the more exciting season openers in recent years.
For the Nuggets, they still have perhaps the best starting lineup in the league headlined by Jokic and Jamal Murray, but lost a lot of their depth in free agency.
On the other hand, the Lakers decided to keep their core together in free agency and are looking to build upon their strong end to the season following the Russell Westbrook trade.
Although Los Angeles is looking to make a strong statement, the James-led Lakers have not won a season opener (0-5) since his arrival in 2018, and Denver has perhaps the best homecourt advantage in the league due to its altitude. Regardless of the distractions, the defending champions should have the edge.
Prediction: Nuggets -4.5 (Best Live Odds: )
Suns vs Warriors Odds
The Suns and Warriors both made significant changes during the offseason in hopes of representing the Western Conference in the 2024 NBA Finals.
To improve team chemistry, Golden State traded Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, while Phoenix traded for Bradley Beal and some much-needed depth.
Although it will take some time for both teams to reach their full potential, the Suns () and Warriors () are among the favorites to win it all.
While the Warriors’ core has been together longer, Draymond Green (ankle) has been ruled out for the season opener and they have struggled without him, especially on defense. Without their defensive leader, the Warriors will struggle against the talented scoring duo of Devin Booker and Durant.
Update: Beal (back) is reportedly unlikely to make his Suns’ debut against the Warriors.
Prediction: Suns +1 (Best Live Odds: )
About the Author
