The NBA returns on Tuesday evening with a Western Convention doubleheader that includes 4 of the highest contenders to win the championship in 2023-24. Three of the groups, the Nuggets, Lakers and Warriors, have mixed to win six of the final titles. Collectively, the foursome makes up the final 9 West champions.
This 2023-24 NBA opening evening betting preview, will break down matchups between groups which are the odds-on favorites to win the convention at most websites.
The most recent odds at top-rated sportsbooks have Denver at to repeat because the Western Convention winner, Phoenix ranks second at , Golden State is , and the L.A. Lakers are .
Lakers vs. Nuggets odds, props, predictions: L.A. goals to smash ring evening for defending NBA champs
It’s ring evening in Denver, which suggests the Lakers shall be within the constructing to look at the Nuggets obtain their spoils from final June’s conquest of the NBA world, as they went on to take down Miami within the NBA Finals for the primary title in franchise historical past.
Will probably be an emotional evening at Ball Area, and gamers should rapidly flip their consideration to enterprise after the pre-game ceremony.
A part of analyzing Lakers vs. Nuggets odds, props and predictions is knowing that that is all a part of a budding rivalry between groups who view each other as a main impediment between themselves and one other championship regardless of the development of different groups within the convention.
Reigning champions are 22-Eight straight up on ring evening, however have a marginal 14-16 ATS document in these openers. Golden State gained and lined final season, defeating the Lakers 123-109.
Listed below are the newest betting odds for the Lakers vs. Nuggets:
Lakers betting information: Vanderbilt out, however depth a serious power
The Lakers went 2-Four within the preseason and dropped their final three contests, together with the Oct. 19 costume rehearsal by a 123-100 rating in opposition to Phoenix. Nonetheless, L.A. led on the break 58-54 and had been up some extent when starters exited halfway by means of the third quarter.
De’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves comprise the beginning backcourt, whereas James shall be joined by Taurean Prince and Anthony Davis up entrance.
Davis performed in all 5 of L.A.’s preseason video games, scoring in double-figures in every one and ending 6-for-13 from 3-point vary. It’s an ideal signal that he was wholesome sufficient to take part in every contest.
Solely Jared Vanderbilt (heel) carries a major knock into the common season, and was changed within the beginning 5 by Prince, one in every of a handful of newcomers that features guard Gabe Vincent, ahead Christian Wooden and heart Jaxson Hayes.
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Nuggets betting information: Porter Jr. set for return
Denver gained its closing preseason matchup 103-90 in opposition to the Clippers in L.A., getting 25 factors, 14 rebounds and eight assists from Nikola Jokic in simply 28 minutes. Holdovers Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope return of their customary roles surrounding Jokic.
Michael Porter, Jr., nursing an ankle damage, didn’t play in any preseason video games however could be very near 100 % and isn’t anticipated to have any restrictions as he returns to motion.
Key backup ahead Christian Braun (calf), additionally didn’t swimsuit up for any exhibition video games as a result of a contusion however has been cleared to take part on Tuesday.
Denver misplaced sixth man Bruce Brown to free company along with veteran backups Jeff Inexperienced and Ish Smith. Versatile wing Justin Vacation has come on board and HC Michael Malone will depend on youthful gamers to supply depth.
Lakers vs. Nuggets prop picks
- Lakers F Anthony Davis OVER 23.5 factors (-120)
- Nuggets F Michael Porter, Jr. UNDER 14.5 factors (-125)
Davis shall be requested to be extra aggressive in an effort to preserve LeBron’s vitality till video games matter most. He’s taking pictures the ball nicely and is being inspired to let it fly. Jokic, for all his strengths, isn’t an ideal defender.
Porter might require a couple of video games to realize a rhythm, and this quantity is on par with final postseason’s bar, failing to take his absence under consideration.
Lakers vs. Nuggets prediction
The Lakers had been victimized by the Warriors on ring evening final season and shall be out to smash Denver’s enjoyable. Search for their edge off the bench to play a task in retaining them on this for the length.
Decide: Lakers +4.5
Suns vs. Warriors odds, props, predictions: CP3 begins life as sixth man vs. former teammates
Phoenix will instantly sq. off in opposition to Chris Paul after buying and selling the 38-year-old level guard in a three-team transfer that landed guard Bradley Beal and moved Jordan Poole to Washington. Devin Booker is predicted to interchange him because the Suns’ main ball handler, whereas Paul is about to come back off the bench as he chases an elusive first NBA title with a gaggle that has gained 4 rings and made six Finals appearances since 2015.
Suns vs. Warriors odds, props and predictions hinge on how each groups deal with new roles to start out the season. Nonetheless, it must be famous that Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Booker look to be in implausible kind in ramping as much as opening evening.
Listed below are the newest NBA betting odds for the Suns vs. Warriors:
Suns betting information: Beal headlines Phoenix facelift
Beal performed in simply two preseason video games, heart Jusuf Nurkic shot 1-for-11 final outing and different newcomers Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, Yuta Watanabe and Drew Eubanks have to get on the identical web page underneath Frank Vogel, who took over in June.
Kevin Durant solely performed a handful of regular-season video games after being acquired from Brooklyn final spring, so all of those guys should nonetheless be taught each other’s tendencies.
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Warriors betting information: Inexperienced set to overlook opening evening
Draymond Inexperienced suffered a nasty ankle sprain in offseason exercises and missed the preseason, however was cleared for 5-on-5 actions over the weekend. He was dominated out for the opener Monday afternoon.
An improved Jonathan Kuminga obtained elevated minutes in his absence and led the Warriors in scoring in three of 5 exhibitions.
Suns vs. Warriors prop picks
- Suns G Devin Booker OVER 6.5 assists (+105)
- Warriors F Andrew Wiggins OVER 16.5 factors (-120)
Booker didn’t exceed this quantity in any of the three exhibitions, however averaged 7.Eight assists within the West semis over six video games in opposition to Denver. He had at the very least seven helpers in seven of Phoenix’s 11 playoff video games, and can deal with it much more with Paul out. Wiggins shall be tasked with making Durant and Beal work at each ends and is a extra succesful scorer than he will get credit score for.
Suns vs. Warriors prediction
This complete has already been wager up from its opening quantity and can probably improve, so it’s finest to beat the steam for those who’re going this route since worth will probably favor the ‘underneath’ by tip-off. Regardless of the very fact we’ll see loads of guys in new roles, rhythm and tempo shall be prioritized.
Decide: Over
