Lakers @ Nuggets tips, picks and prop bets: Champs to start strong, Nikola Jokic and LeBron James assists

We're backing the champs to start the season in style in Denver.

Lakers @ Nuggets game pick

This can really go one or two ways, with the defending champions flattening the Lakers amidst a party atmosphere or the bubble can burst.

Defending champions are there to be shot at and the Lakers, catching five points on opening night, will be no pushover.

But this is a Nuggets team capable of winning back-to-back championships and in Nikola Jokic they have an unstoppable force.

We’re willing to bet on the former scenario with the feel-good factor carrying the Nuggets to a comfortable win and no championship hangover.

Pick: Denver Nuggets -4.5

Lakers @ Nuggets prop bets

Nikola Jokic averaged 9.8 assists last season and of course, he’s going to shine on this night of all nights.

Prop: Nikola Jokic Over 9.5 assists

Never one to be upstaged, LeBron James averaged 6.8 assists per game last season.

Prop: LeBron James Over 6.5 assists