The defending champion Nuggets will be healthy and ready to go against the Lakers in what is turning out to be an interesting rivalry. The Lakers made some offseason changes aimed at taking out the Nuggets but will be without starting forward Vanderbilt in the opener. His spacing and defense will be missed in this one. The Nuggets have made some modest changes from last season and will hope that players such as Christian Braun can make the leap this year to make up for a few losses. I like the Nuggets to send an early message and take down the Lakers in their home opener. Take the Nuggets -5.