The Nuggets will be the first NBA team to gauge how the Los Angeles Lakers will fare without Shaquille O'Neal.
The league has not released its schedule, but two league sources confirmed Denver will start its season against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
The schedule, typically released in late July, is expected to arrive late this year because of the Lakers' trade of O'Neal to Miami and other major offseason moves. The league slate could yet be tweaked, but the Nuggets are expected to face Kobe Bryant and Co. in the opener.
Between their surge to a playoff berth last season and their trade for New Jersey forward Kenyon Martin, the Nuggets also can expect more national television exposure, according to two cable executives.
"Denver is a young and exciting team that made some big offseason acquisitions, and they're certainly one of the teams we'll be looking at for numerous appearances," TNT spokesman Jeff Pomeroy said Monday.
Advertisement
ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle echoed Pomeroy, predicting an increase of Denver appearances on his network.
"The basic reason: We try to optimize the appearance of a team based on how we think they will do, playoff contention, perceived national profile, which we think is on the rise for the Nuggets," Nagle said.
Not counting the playoffs, Denver appeared on ESPN twice and TNT once last season.
