The 2023-24 NBA season is back with two appetizing games to open up the season on Tuesday night. The first game features a rematch of the Western Conference finals as the Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Mile City for the Denver Nuggets NBA championship ring ceremony. Game 2 pits Pacific division rivals, the Golden State Warriors, against the Phoenix Suns, in San Francisco.
2023-24 NBA Opening Night Best Bets, Parlays, and Player Props
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Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets, 7:30 p.m. (ET) TV: TNT
Denver will finally get their 2022-23 NBA championship rings and look to get off to a good start to the 2022-23. The Nuggets return the top starting unit, led by 3-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, but their second unit is basically new. Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji saw time last year, but all three are expected to have bigger roles this year.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles looks to get some revenge after getting swept in the Western Conference finals. The Lakers made several offseason additions, putting them in contention to return to the conference finals. Plus, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are healthy.
Denver has won the last five games against LA, including the playoffs. The Nuggets and Lakers split last year’s regular season contest, with each team winning at home. The Nuggets also have a five-game win streak at home.
Denver is favored by six points, with the over/under set at 228. The Nuggets are -218 on the money line, while the Lakers are +180.
Jared Vanderbilt (heel) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee) are out for the Lakers. Gabe Vincent (back) is probable. Meanwhile, Christian Braun (calf) and Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) are expected to play for the Nuggets. Julian Strawther (ankle) is questionable. Vlatko Cancar (Knee) is out.
Best Bet
I am leaning toward taking the Lakers and the under. I expect this game to be physical and competitive, with the Lakers having a little extra motivation following Mike Malone’s comments following the Nuggets Western Conference finals sweep. The Nuggets could have a little hangover after the hanging of their banners. The Lakers are 7-5 against the Nuggets with James in the lineup. However, D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers bench are key in the matchup.
Best NBA Bet: Lakers + 5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors, 10:00 p.m. (ET) TV: TNT
This should be a lot of fun as the game features two of the most potent offenses in the NBA this year. Both teams added veterans who fit this narrative, with the Suns bringing in Bradley Beal and Eric Gordon while the Warriors took a risk in their trade for Chris Paul and Dario Saric. All totaled, the Suns have 11 newcomers on their 15-man roster. Meanwhile, six of the Warriors’ 13 players weren’t with the team, a seas Phoenix and Golden State ranked in the top 10 of the NBA in scoring during the preseason.
The Suns have won four of the last five meetings against the Warriors, including two of three at Chase Arena. Golden State is a one-point favorite, with the over/under set at 234.5. The Suns are -105 on the money line, and the Warriors are -115.
The Suns’ Damion Lee (knee) is out indefinitely. Meanwhile, Beal (back) and Devin Booker
(toe) are expected to play. Draymond Green (ankle) is out for the Warriors.
Best Bet
While leaning towards the over, the best bet here is Phoenix to pick up the dub. The Suns have one of the best starting lineups in the league and are deeper than the Warriors. Plus, the Suns also have a considerable advantage in the frontcourt with Green out for the Warriors. Golden State went 3-6 in games the malcontent forward missed. Moreover, Durant is 20-14 lifetime against his former club.
Best Bet: Suns -105
NBA Player Props
D’Angelo Russell Over 13.5 Points (-135)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 10.5 Points (-110)
Rui Hachimura Over 9.5 Points (-110)
Michael Porter Jr. Over 13.5 Points (-135)
Austin Reaves Over 1.5 3-Pointers (-130)
Rui Hachimura Over 0.5 3-Pointers (-160)
Andrew Wiggins Over 16.5 Points (-120)
Devin Booker Over 1.5 3-pointers (-180)
