Denver at Golden State

Not only has Denver beaten Golden State nine of the last 10 times, including each of the past four seasons at Golden State and four times as underdogs, but the Nuggets look improved from the team that took world champion Oklahoma City to seven games in the playoffs last season. Denver significantly upgraded its roster around Nikola Jokic and its stellar backcourt by adding Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway. The Nuggets now have a strong bench and are completely healthy entering their season opener. The Warriors are stepping way up in class after an easy opening win against the LeBron James-less Lakers this past Tuesday. Golden State's challenge is much more difficult here than it was against the Lakers. Jokic is a matchup nightmare for the smallish Warriors with his command of the low post, and now Denver added 7-footer Valanciunas, who has averaged double figures in 11 of his 13 seasons. The Nuggets are anxious to show off their new form. They are an elite team, and Golden State is not in that class. Take the Nuggets.