Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets | O/U 227.5 (-110/-110)
- Date: Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Ball Arena: Denver, CO
- Watch: TNT
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Los Angeles Lakers (+5) @ -110 | Moneyline: +170
The Lakers, who are currently ranked 3rd in the West(down from 2nd), boast a fresh line-up frontlined by their celebrated “big three”: the GOAT LeBron James, who’s stepping into his staggering 21st season, alongside Anthony Davis and the rising star Austin Reaves. Beyond these stalwarts, the Lakers are pinning their hopes on significant contributions from D’Angelo Russel, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and Christian Wood. Shooting, health and defense have long been the Laker’s achilles tendons, but with the most depth they’ve had in years they look to solve those and make a deep run this season. The X factor in this opener, and the season, and Lakers bettors can AD stay healthy and play hard.
Denver Nuggets (-5) @ -110 | Moneyline: -205
The Nuggets are the returning champs and the #1 team in the NBA, for now at least. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, they made their own moves this season, securing seasoned vets like DeAndre Jordan, Reggie Jackson, and KCP. They, along with the inclusion of Justin Holiday, answer some real-depth concerns since Jeff Green’s departure. As such, it’s no surprise they are slightly favored in the opener.
Prediction
This matchup may very well be the 23-24 Western Conference Finals preview. Both teams have two stars supported by solid casts, both waiting for that third option to step and solidify themselves. The nuggets have their championship core and are favored in fair reason. LeBron is 3-7 in his last 10 season openers, and while I expect a deep playoff run form the Lakers, I think Jokic and the Nuggets will punch them in the face on Day 1.
We Suggest: Over The Point Total
Phoenix Suns @ Golden State Warriors | O/U 232.5 (-110/-110)
- Date: Tuesday, October 24 at 10:00PM ET
- Location: Ball Arena: San Francisco, CA
- Watch: TNT
Phoenix Suns (+1) @ -115 | Moneyline: -110
The Suns became the most polarizing team in the middle of last season when they traded for Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough, as they were eliminated in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals by the eventual champion, the Denver Nuggets. They traded off Chris Paul for offensive star Bradley Beal and still have their two stars, Durant and Devin Booker. At the top, head coach Monty Williams is out, and they’ve brought in Frank Vogel, the defensive-minded who coached the Lakers to a championship in 2020. There are some defensive questions, but with Beal, Durant, and Booker, this looks to be a fast-paced, high-scoring offense poised to make a run this season.
Golden State Warriors (-1) @ -105 | Moneyline: -110
The Warriors, ranked 4 in the West, still have their core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and newly re-signed Draymond Green. (At the expense of Jordan Pool?) As mentioned, the Suns traded away Chris Paul to the Wizards, and not too long after that, Golden State acquired him in a trade. That move was questioned, and many wondered, with this group getting older, why did they go out and get another older, injury-prone player who could divide a locker room? But we can’t forget this is the Point God. The spacing Steph commands will free him up, allowing him to get baskets and dime the rest of the team. It can work, it can work well, but it will hang on Chris Paul’s integration and assimilation.
Prediction
Both squads present a tantalizing blend of talent and strategy. Phoenix’s aggressive revamp pitches them as dark horses, while the Warriors, with their home advantage and illustrious history, have a slight edge. Anticipate a high-intensity duel with both teams leaving no stone unturned.
We suggest: PHX Moneyline (-115)
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