Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction, Odds & Picks for NBA Opening Day (Oct. 24): Sparks Fly at Ball Arena

After months of anticipation, the 2023-24 NBA season finally kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 24. There are two Opening Day matchups lined up, including one that sees the defending champion Denver Nuggets beginning their campaign at home against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jamal knew the Nuggets had it in the bag once he saw Jokic's suit ??

Go inside Denver's victory over the Lakers in the Conference Finals last year on a new 'Bring it Home'. Watch only in the NBA App!

?: https://t.co/9VOyUeUmu0 pic.twitter.com/23QZEouVrP

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2023

These juggernauts collided in the 2022-23 Western Conference Finals, but it didn’t last long. The Nuggets swept the Lakers in four games before going on to defeat the Miami Heat for the Larry O’Brien Trophy as Nikola Jokic was named NBA Finals MVP.

Can Los Angeles exact some revenge for the postseason elimination? Or will Denver end its banner-raising night with a victory?

A new NBA season means more betting opportunities, including the ones found in this game. Keep reading for the latest Lakers vs. Nuggets Opening Day odds, as well as my prediction and the best bets for Tuesday’s collision.

Lakers vs Nuggets Opening Day (Oct. 24)

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers (0-0, 0-0 Away) vs. Denver Nuggets (0-0, 0-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: Ball Arena (Denver, CO)
• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Lakers vs. Nuggets TV Info: ESPN

Lakers vs Nuggets Odds

NBA game odds courtesy of BetDSI as of Sunday, Oct. 22 at 11:09 p.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Los Angeles Lakers +4.5 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets -4.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 228 Points (-110)
• Under 228 Points (-110)

Moneyline

• Los Angeles Lakers +175
• Denver Nuggets -205

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• NBA Scoring Leader Odds
• 2023 NBA Eastern Conference Divisional Preview, Predictions, & Best Bets
• 2023 NBA Western Conference Divisional Preview, Predictions, & Best Bets

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Lakers vs Nuggets Betting Trends

• The Lakers are 1-6 straight up in their last seven road games against Denver.
• Denver is 12-1 straight up in its last 13 home games.
• The Lakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games played in October.
• Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last five games played on a Tuesday.
• The total has hit the Under in four of the Lakers’ last six games against Denver.
• The total has hit the Over in four of Denver’s last six games played in October.

Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction (Oct. 24)

Despite the Nuggets sweeping the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the series was closer than the final tally implies. Three of the four encounters were decided by six or fewer points, including Denver’s two-point victory in Game 4.

Having said that, the Lakers spent the offseason improving their roster. Several new faces are in this year’s lineup, including names like Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish.

The new additions should help provide a boost to a returning cast that includes the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves. The team certainly looks more dangerous on paper, especially with LeBron (+2200) and Davis (+2500) still shaping up to be potential NBA MVP challengers on most sportsbooks.

Nevertheless, respect is also due to the Nuggets. The majority of the championship-winning roster is back, including the likes of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, who has won two of the last three regular-season MVP awards.

Speaking of the Serbian superstar, Jokic tends to step up his game when facing the Lakers. In his last nine games against Los Angeles, he’s averaging 26.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 10.2 assists while shooting 57.1% from the floor.

If that isn’t impressive on its own, Jokic is averaging 30.0 PTS/14.9 REB/9.1 AST in his last 10 outings at Ball Arena.

The Nuggets have also had success in their own backyard as a team, going 12-1 in their last 13 home games. They’ve seen their fair share of home success against the Lakers, too, winning six of the last seven meetings between the two teams at the Mile High City.

The Lakers, for reference, are 1-6 in their last seven road games — not exactly inspiring for a team that’s about to face the defending champs in enemy territory.

While both sides have enough talent to win, I’m taking the Nuggets to emerge victorious. They’re going to be riding the high of their banner ceremony and already have chemistry dating back to last year, whereas the Lakers might need more time to get used to all the new pieces.

Having said that, expect a fair amount of points. The last six Lakers vs. Nuggets tilts at Ball Arena saw 237.5 points scored, finishing with more than 228 four times. With both sides looking to start the season right, I expect some Opening Day fireworks.

Lakers vs Nuggets Prediction: Nuggets 117, Lakers 114

Best Bet: Over 228 Points (-110 on BetDSI)

Lakers vs Nuggets Player Prop

We’re heading to BetOnline for our Lakers vs. Nuggets player prop, taking the Over on LeBron James’ 24.5-point total.

“The King” might be the NBA’s oldest player, but I don’t expect him to slow down. After all, this is the same man who just averaged 28.9 PPG on 58.3% true shooting in his 20th season.

LeBron also faced the Nuggets seven times between the regular season and playoffs last year, averaging 26.6 PPG. He finished four of those games with 25 or more points, which included a 40-piece in the most recent encounter.

Looking to prove that he still has ‘it,’ don’t be surprised if LeBron turns back the clock on NBA Opening Day.

Bet: LeBron James o24.5 Points (-118 on BetOnline)

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