Do the Denver Nuggets have an official rival?

In this episode of the Pickaxe and Roll podcast, Ryan Blackburn reacts to the news that the Denver Nuggets will open the entire NBA regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 24th. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and the Nuggets will receive their championship rings while LeBron James and Anthony Davis look on. Will the Lakers be extra motivated to defeat the Nuggets on their home floor? Are the Nuggets and Lakers considered a rivalry in today’s NBA?

Ryan discusses the opener, as well as the Nuggets’ impending Christmas day matchup against the Golden State Warriors. From there, Ryan ranks both current and historic Nuggets rivalries from his perspective. Are the Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, or the Philadelphia 76ers considered the Nuggets’ top rival today? What about the Minnesota Timberwolves? The Portland Trail Blazers? How about the team the Nuggets just beat in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat?

Ryan ranks the Nuggets rivalries.

The NBA offseason is here. Make sure to stay up with the latest in the world of Denver Nuggets basketball with the Pickaxe and Roll podcast. Catch Blackburn every week on the Mile High Sports podcast network or watch on the MHS YouTube channel for the best local coverage of Colorado sports.

Take your podcasts on the go when you download the all-new free Mile High Sports Radio mobile app for Apple or Android. Make sure to like, rate and subscribe to each episode, and be sure to follow Ryan across social media @NBABlackburn.