John Canady

Lakers vs. Nuggets Opening Night Matchup Preview and Predictions

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After a long offseason, the NBA returns with an opening-night showdown between the two Western Conference Finalists from last season, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. With the reigning champs looking to defend their homecourt, LeBron James and his revamped Lakers squad have their sights set on redemption.
Will Denver prove to still be the team to beat in the NBA, or will the Lakers make a statement to start the year? Here's what you need to know ahead of tomorrow's duel.


Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets Preview

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One of the most interesting topics in the offseason is which starting lineup each team will roll out on opening night. With various moves made, it's good to know each team's starters ahead of tip-off. So, let's start with the away team. Los Angeles Lakers opening night starters: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Taurean Prince, and Anthony Davis. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham suggested that the team's opening night roster will likely not be the team's starting lineup moving forward. However, after an injury to the team's tough-nosed defender, Jarred Vanderbilt, the team pivoted to insert Prince in the starting lineup against Denver. 

Lakers Starting Lineup

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Denver had one of the quieter offseasons across the league. The only big news from the Nuggets side of things was the loss of their versatile sixth man, Bruce Brown. Fortunately for them, Christian Braun showed plenty of promise last season. As for the starters, the Nuggs have the luxury of sending out the same starting lineup from last year - Jamal Murray, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic. 

Nuggets Starting Lineups

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Denver's offense runs primarily through their star big man, and when he can have his way offensively, the Nuggets are in good shape. However, when Jokic struggles offensively, he remains a threat with his ability to facilitate. Luckily for the Lakers, Anthony Davis is probably the best defender to have covered the former MVP. Davis is an All-NBA defensive player, and if the Brow can slow him down, LA's chance to steal a road game only increases.

Key Matchups: Jokic vs. Davis

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Like Jokic, LeBron is one of the league's most elite playmakers. Not only can he take over a game, but he can also make his presence known whether his shot is falling. In last year's Western Conference Finals, Aaron Gordon was the primary defender on James and even made the big final defensive play to send the Nuggets to the NBA Finals. If Gordon can even remotely slow down King James and force the Lakers to beat you with the rest of their team, Denver will be in prime position to start the year with a statement win.

Key Matchups: James vs. Gordon

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The Nuggets enter tonight's season opener as -5.5-point favorites over the Lakers. While the matchup could go either way, the bettors lean toward Denver defending their homecourt and starting the season with a win.

FanDuel Odds

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While it’s hard to bet against the Nuggets on their home floor, the Lakers basically restructured their roster during last year’s trade deadline, put everything together, and turned their season around to make a playoff run to the WCF. Now, with a full offseason under their belt and LeBron back to full health, I have the Lakers stealing the first game of the year on the road in Denver. The duo of James and Davis will show up and win a close game, 107-103. Now, with a full offseason under their belt and LeBron James back to full health, I have the Lakers stealing the first game of the year on the road in Denver. The duo of James and Davis will show up and win a close game, 107-103.

Opening Night Prediction

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The Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets are set to kick off the NBA season. Can the reigning champs start the year strong, or can LA steal a road game?

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