Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets preview: Prediction, odds and more for 2023-24 NBA season opener

Modified Oct 24, 2023 12:36 GMT

Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets — The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets on opening night

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets on the opening night of the 2023-24 NBA season at the Ball Arena in Colorado. After being swept 4-0 in the Western Conference finals last season, the Lakers will now have to watch the Nuggets don their rings before looking to settle business. That, though, is easier said than done as the reigning champions enter as prime favorites not only to win the opening contest but also to fend off competition and defend their title.

Ahead of their showdown against Denver on Tuesday night, the Lakers have played a total of 75 opening-day games, winning 43 of them. They will hope to spoil the Nuggets' party by making it win No. 44. As for Nikola Jokic and Co., this will be their chance to start strong and announce to the other 29 teams that they intend to repeat their heroics from the past season.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Game details:

Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

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Date & Time: October 24, 2023 / 7:30 P.M. ET

Venue: Ball Arena, Colorado

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets game preview and injury report

Despite their 0-5 start to the season, which later turned 2-10 and eventually left them way below the .500 mark by December, the Lakers clawed their way back to contention. After adding Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt and finally shipping Russell Westbrook, the Purple and Gold went on dishing out improved performances that saw them end the regular season with a 43-39 run — good enough to make the playoffs, where they indeed made a deep run by making the Conference finals.

The good news for the decorated franchise this season is the health of their two superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The four-time champion comes off solid numbers from this past season averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, while Davis wasn't far behind with 25.9 points and 12.5 rebounds.

In the offseason, LA's front office did their homework. They retained Austin Reaves who was instrumental in the team's success, while also re-signing D'Angelo Russell. They managed to hang on to the core that has been the best support cast for James and Davis since their 2020 championship. They also added new faces in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish and Christian Wood to further add depth to the roster.

On the other side, the Nuggets are coming off a brilliant 2022-23 season, and they have their roster back as well. All eyes will be on Nikola Jokic again after he averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists in the regular season and upped the ante in the playoffs to record 10 triple-doubles in 20 games. This saw him become the first player in NBA history to lead the entire playoffs in points, boards and assists.

His teammate Jamal Murray was equally explosive with 20 points and 6.2 assists per game and bettered it in the postseason with 26.1 points. The Nuggets will miss Bruce Brown who was vital in the team's championship run, but it also gives a chance for Reggie Jackson to play more minutes behind Murray. Denver has confidence and chemistry — tools that are enough to go the distance against LA at home.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets odds and prediction

Spread: Lakers (+5) vs Nuggets (-4.5)

Moneyline: Lakers (+170) vs Nuggets (-207)

Total (o/u): 227.5

The new rivalry in the NBA is between these two teams. All of head coach Mike Malone's trash talk serves as much-needed motivation for LA. They enter this season confident that they can win a title and it starts with playing a team who ousted them last season. The Nuggets can still afford to take an L, and the Lakers' chip on their shoulder makes them favorites to win this contest.