The Denver Nuggets enter the 2022-23 NBA season with sky-high expectations as the team looks to clinch their first-ever Larry O’Brien Trophy in franchise history.
Outside of the storied returns of both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets also made some noteworthy moves this offseason to revamp the roster. Including two-way specialists Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, as well as savvy veterans like DeAndre Jordan and Ish Smith.
This along with the continued development of Bones Hyland and the instrumental playmaking of reigning back-to-back league MVP, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets appear primed for their most competitive season in recent memory, which begins on Wednesday night as they travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz.
On the flip side, the Jazz also made some headlines this past offseason in trading away All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and hiring longtime Spurs and Celtics assistant, Will Hardy, as the team’s new head coach. Not to mention some strong acquisitions in Malik Beasley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Lauri Markkanen, and Collin Sexton.
Despite this, the latest Nuggets odds have them in line for an opening-night victory against this new-look Utah Jazz squad, whom they will face off with twice in the month of October.
Can the Nuggets kick things into high gear early and take home an opening night win on the road? Or will the Jazz give the home fans hope and knock off a potential title contender in Vivint Arena?
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have Denver as -7 favorites against the spread, with the team -110 (bet $110 to win $100 ) to cover. The Nuggets are -295 on the moneyline, while the Jazz check in at +240 (bet $100 to win $240). The over-under for this game is set at 225.0, with the over and under both set at -110 to cover.
Nuggets Starting Lineup Tonight
Watch this space! Check back closer to tip-off.
Nuggets Injury Report
At the time of writing, the only injury Denver’s dealing with is Collin Gillespie’s leg fracture from earlier this summer. Gillespie is the only player listed on the Nuggets’ injury report, with the rest of the starters set to be ready for tipoff.
#Nuggets early injury report: Only Collin Gillespie (leg fracture) is listed.
— Mike Singer (@msinger) October 18, 2022
Obviously bodes well for regular starters.
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz Prediction
The Denver Nuggets will have all of their usual starters back on the court in a regular season game for the first time in over a year and a half. While the Utah Jazz are still searching for their identity with the losses of two franchise cornerstones in Gobert and Mitchell.
The good news for the Jazz is that they aren’t completely void of talent. They still have reliable veteran guards in Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson who can lead the charge on any given night. While Lauri Markkanen and Malik Beasley have already proven to be serviceable role players. Collin Sexton is still working his way back from a torn meniscus but should see ample playing time once he’s back healthy.
I believe Utah will remain competitive, but there’s no question the franchise is heading towards a rebuild with the majority of the team’s assets tied up in future draft picks. As a result, I think they’re going to struggle to match up with the Nuggets’ plethora of young stars, especially this early in the season.
It’s way too early to know exactly what we’re going to see from Utah tonight but with how much Denver has improved defensively and their explosion on offense, look for tonight to be a statement win against a division foe.
Nuggets 121, Jazz 105
What channel is the Denver Nuggets game on?
Wednesday’s game will be broadcast at 7:00 p.m. MT on ATT SportsNet Rocky Mountain Alt 1 (Idaho-Montana).
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz Live Stream
If you’re looking for a live stream, check out FuboTV for a free trial!
Nuggets’ Next Game and Upcoming Schedule
The Nuggets will continue their road stretch on Friday night as they travel to Golden State to take on the Warriors before returning home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22nd.
Oct. 21 @ Golden State
Oct. 22 vs. Oklahoma City
Oct. 24 @ Portland
Oct. 26 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.