There's a lot of buzz about Oklahoma City starting this season, and it's completely justified. This team has everything it takes to win and is no longer considered too young to do so. Top scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the lead dog, a combination of MVP candidate and possible NBA scoring champion. He is flanked by length and skill all over the pitch. This team can beat you with offense and defense. It depends on the night.

Denver may have just signed forward Aaron Gordon to an extension, but the Nuggets' fate lies in center Nikola Jokic continuing to be the NBA's best player. I doubt he's lost his sense. Even though this team's margins look a little different, I'm confident that they'll rightfully be among the contenders at the start of the season. Guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. are the swing players. When both are at their best, this club is hard to beat.

Denver is the home favorite, although the Thunder's prospects are better this season. This is the “opening game” I have been waiting for and I think we will put in a good performance from two very strong teams. Denver wants to break its three-game losing streak against the Thunder, so there's that too. It may be early, but I expect every team to do their best. You can make an easy argument for the small upset, but it's even easier to go with the home team, especially because Denver is so good at home and the margin is small.

Denver -2.5 available from the publisher.