Best NBA DFS picks for today (24th October): Key players for opening night explored

After a long offseason, the opening night of the NBA's 78th season is finally here. The first day features two exciting games. The first matchup will feature the defending champions Denver Nuggets at home against the LA Lakers. After that, fans will be treated to another Western Conference battle as the new-look Phoenix Suns visit the Golden State Warriors.

The NBA's opening night is certainly an exciting occasion, and one of the reasons for it is that fantasy basketball leagues everywhere are also set to begin. Aside from the traditional season-long fantasy leagues, people also take part in Daily Fantasy Sports leagues or DFS.

DFS leagues are different since participants pick players daily or whenever they want to play. The goal is to pick players who are likely to produce the most and if things don't pan out, then a participant can try again on a different day with a different set of players.

Here are the players to watch out for from the opening night matchups between the Lakers vs. Nuggets and the Warriors vs. Suns.

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Players to watch out for from the LA Lakers on opening night

The LA Lakers are going to try to get some revenge against the Nuggets who eliminated them in last year's playoffs.

The Lakers are expected to have almost a full roster, so expect LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves to be among the most coveted players. The expectation set on them is due to their status as the team's stars, and if things work out, any one of them could have a big night.

Aside from these three stars, DFS participants should also look out for Christian Wood and D'Angelo Russell. Gabe Vincent can also be expected to provide some scoring, while Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Taurean Prince can be expected to provide small but valuable contributions.

Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jarred Vanderbilt will be inactive tonight.

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Players to watch out for from the Denver Nuggets on opening night

As for the Denver Nuggets, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic can be expected to stuff the stat sheet as usual. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are also likely to have solid numbers that will help any team.

It is safe to rely on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for some production, while Christian Braun, Reggie Jackson and Zeke Nnaji could provide a nice surprise on opening night.

DeAndre Jordan might get to play but do not expect huge numbers from him unless by some miracle he turns back the clock.

Vlatko Cancar is out indefinitely.

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Players to watch out for from the Golden State Warriors on opening night

One of the biggest questions entering the 2023-24 season is whether Chris Paul will be able to elevate the aging Warriors squad. Thankfully, fans will get a glimpse of how he will fit into Steve Kerr's system on opening night.

Of course, fans can expect big things from Steph Curry who remains one of the premier scorers in the league.

Andrew Wiggins is an explosive scorer who might be able to unlock a new level to his game with Chris Paul running point for him, and fans can see this as early as the first game. If this does happen, expect a big night for Wiggins.

It is still unsure what version of Klay Thompson fans might get. Some nights, he looks like he cannot miss, while other times, he seems to be missing everything. Aside from them, CP3 can be expected to have a solid contribution along with Kevon Looney, Dario Saric and Jonathan Kuminga.

Unfortunately, Draymond Green will be sidelined due to an ankle injury.

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Players to watch out for from the Phoenix Suns on opening night

The Phoenix Suns have a new big three but it is still unclear if they will share the floor tonight. Kevin Durant is the only star who is sure to play and it is safe to expect him to pour in points against his former team.

Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are both questionable, but if they do show up, then expect a shootout to occur. If both of them are unavailable, Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, Grayson Allen and Josh Okogie will see an increased production.

Jusuf Nurkic is a reliable double-double threat who will certainly provide scoring and rebounds, and Drew Eubanks might be a nice surprise as he has continued to show growth.

Damion Lee is out indefinitely.