We’re more pumped than Nikola Jokic at the horse track to bring you today’s Morning Dunk! Let’s recap a phenomenal NBA opening night.
Lakers vs Nuggets: A Night to Remember
In an electrifying showdown between the Lakers and Nuggets last night, the NBA universe was reminded yet again of why we're all so hooked on the game.
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men weren’t enough to shut down Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The reigning NBA champions shot nearly 55% in the first half and quickly took control of the Western Conference Finals rematch. Denver stretched their lead to 18 points early in the second quarter and showed no signs of slowing down. The Joker led the way with 19 points in the first half before the Nugs cruised to victory.
Betting Jokic overs may be the play this season. “The Joker” at +450 odds to win MVP seems like a bargain if he can keep this up.
Lebron James must have borrowed some of Michael’s "Secret Stuff." “The Chosen One” looked as spry as ever entering his age-38 season. James finished the contest with a stat-stuffing 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists to keep his Lakers in the contest.
The Lakers are a tough out for any team in the NBA. Darvin Ham’s team is a hard-nosed unit. Remember, last year’s team was one of just six in NBA history to start the season 2-10 or worse and finish above .500. The purple and gold will be just fine.
Warriors vs Suns: The Duel in the Desert
Kevin Durant matched up with some of his former friends in the second half of the NBA’s opening-night doubleheader.
While Durant set the tone, it was Devin Booker, the third member of the Phoenix Suns new amigos (Bradley Beal missed the season opener with a back issue), who carried the load with 32 points. “D-Book” looked clinical on the court, shooting a tight 13-for-21 with three sunk treys and eight dimes to go with it.
The Warriors will bounce back after the loss, but the Suns look like a real menace this year, even with only two of their big three active.
Wednesday Look Ahead: Wemby Time
Tonight brings NBA bettors their first 12-game slate of the season. And boy, is it a doozie, so check our NBA odds page for all the matchup info you need.
In the early slate, we’ve got one of the hardcourt’s heaviest rivalries between the Celtics and Knicks. There’s no better spot to kick off an NBA season than the great Madison Square Garden, where the visiting C’s are 3.5-point favorites.
But once all the hoopla dies down from the early games, then the real show begins. At 9:30 p.m. EDT, the curtain rises on the Wemby Show as first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama makes his season debut.
The Spurs will host the Mavericks in that contest, and I’d watch for the OVER on the French phenom’s points prop, which currently sits at 17.5 (-120).
