NBA: Regular season schedule released & odds released for opening day

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets rematch on opening day

The defending champions Denver Nuggets will play against the LA Lakers on opening day in a Western Conference Finals rematch on October 24. The Nuggets swept the Lakers 4-0 last season after the Lakers defeated the Warriors 4-2 in the second round. The Lakers and Nuggets rosters are slightly different than last season, so the Lakers should not be counted out because of their performance in their playoff series. The Lakers picked up former Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent in free agency while the Nuggets lost one of their key contributors during their championship run in forward Bruce Brown.

The Nuggets are the betting favourites in their opening day game against the Lakers. The Nuggets have -200 odds to win the game and start their season 1-0 on Bodog. The Lakers have +170 odds. The Lakers did not win a game in their series against the Nuggets, but some of the games were competitive and a lot of players on the Lakers joined the team while the season was underway. Those guys will participate in a full offseason with the team before they go head to head with the Nuggets this time around.

Chris Paul and the Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns on opening day

The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors made huge moves this offseason after both franchises were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. The Suns traded for three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal. The Warriors traded for twelve-time All-Star guard Chris Paul. Both teams are among the favourites to win the Western Conference and 2023-2024 NBA title on NBA betting sites. The Suns and Warriors will play one another on opening day, the second game of the evening.

Paul and the Warriors are the early betting favourites against his former team. The Warriors have -125 odds to win the game on Bodog. The Suns are the underdogs with +105 odds. Most of the players on the Warriors’ roster have been with the franchise for multiple seasons. The Phoenix Suns roster was put together recently. The Warriors should have a chemistry advantage, but the Suns have the element of surprise and a big three in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, not to mention they still have center Deandre Ayton. Either team could lose this game by a big margin because of the circumstances.

#NBAXmas is the gift that keeps giving 🎄

🎁 @Bucks vs. @nyknicks
🎁 @warriors vs. @nuggets
🎁 @celtics vs. @Lakers
🎁 @sixers vs. @MiamiHEAT
🎁 @dallasmavs vs. @Suns

For more info
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— NBA (@NBA) August 17, 2023

The Toronto Raptors first game

The Toronto Raptors’ first game will be on October 25, one day after opening day. The Raptors will play against Karl Anthony-Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Winning a championship probably is not a realistic expectation for this year’s team, but a win against the Timberwolves will put the Raptors on the right path to make the playoffs. The Raptors have +175 odds to make the playoffs on Bet99, and -223 odds to miss the playoffs.

The odds have not been released for this game yet, but expect the Raptors to be the underdogs. The Timberwolves have three All-Star caliber players and depth. The Raptors’ early games against teams like the Timberwolves should reveal a lot about their playoff chances this season. Although the Timberwolves made the playoffs last year and are a decent team, they are not considered one of the top title contenders. If the Raptors can not pick up wins early against teams like the Timberwolves, making the playoffs will be difficult.