The NBA season is back in full swing, and that means it’s time to dive into some exciting betting opportunities. With a staggering 1,230 regular-season games on the schedule, finding the best bets might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, as we’re here to guide you through the chaos and help you make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll explore some intriguing NBA matchups and identify potential betting winners. So, let’s get started!
NBA Best Bets
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
- Celtics -3.5 (-110)
The 2023-24 NBA season kicks off with a bang as the Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks in an electrifying showdown. The Celtics enter this game as the favorite to win the NBA championship, with odds set at +370 on FanDuel Sportsbook. On the other side, the Knicks are favored to make the playoffs, boasting odds of -330 according to FanDuel’s NBA playoff odds. Madison Square Garden promises to be a cauldron of excitement.
Last season, the Knicks surprised everyone by going 3-1 outright and against the spread (ATS) in head-to-head matchups with Boston. Can they pull off another upset this time around? Keep in mind that Boston was the favored team in all four meetings last season, and three of those games also went over the total points line. Are we in for another high-scoring contest?
The Celtics are starting the season as 3.5-point favorites, and they’ve made some notable additions to their roster, including Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Both Holiday and Derrick White earned All-Defensive honors last season, so they’ll provide a solid defensive foundation for Boston. New York’s Jalen Brunson, coming off a career-high 24.0 points per game (PPG) season, will be a formidable test for Boston’s revamped backcourt.
While the over might seem tempting given last season’s high-scoring affairs, I’m eyeing the point spread in this matchup. The Celtics boast a strong defense, ranking second in defensive rating last season. Additionally, they excelled at defending against three-pointers, an area where the Knicks thrive. With Boston’s defensive prowess, I believe they can cover the spread.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
- Thunder Moneyline (+112)
One of the most surprising underdog stories of the night features the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a Play-In Tournament appearance last season, the Thunder have generated significant offseason buzz and are now -184 to make the playoffs. In contrast, the Chicago Bulls, who missed the playoffs last year, are at +124 to secure a postseason spot. Yet, it’s the Thunder who enter this game as underdogs.
These two teams appear to be on opposite trajectories. The Thunder boast one of the NBA’s most promising young cores, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ future looks uncertain, and trade rumors surround key players like Zach LaVine. But for now, Chicago hosts Oklahoma City in the season opener for both teams.
According to numberFire’s nERD-based power rankings, the Thunder are ranked 15th, while the Bulls sit at 18th. Additionally, OKC has a higher projected win total of 44.5, compared to Chicago’s 37.5 according to FanDuel’s NBA win totals.
By all indications, the Thunder are poised to have a better season. Chicago retained most of its roster, re-signing players like Vucevic and adding Jevon Carter. However, OKC’s young talents, combined with Chet Holmgren’s potential to boost their rebounding (they ranked 29th in defensive rebounding percentage last season), make them an intriguing team to watch.
This matchup could come down to pace. Chicago had a slower pace last season, while the Thunder played at a much faster tempo. In their meetings last season, OKC controlled the pace, resulting in the over hitting both times, along with a 2-0 ATS record. With Holmgren strengthening the Thunder’s rebounding, I expect them to start the season with a victory.
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers
- Over 227 (-110)
On the surface, the matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers might not be the flashiest of the night. The Clippers are favored by a sizable 9.0 points, tied for the largest spread on Wednesday. However, if we dig a little deeper, there are enticing lines that could yield favorable results.
The Blazers underwent significant changes, trading Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. This leaves the backcourt in the hands of Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. While the defense may be a concern, this backcourt trio has plenty of scoring potential.
Simons averaged a career-high 21.1 PPG with an impressive offensive rating of 116.2 last season, while Sharpe finished his rookie campaign with a flourish, averaging 23.7 PPG in his final 10 games. Henderson, considered an elite guard prospect, has the third-shortest odds to win Rookie of the Year at +500. And let’s not forget Jerami Grant, who had the third-best offensive rating on last year’s team (117.5). When you add Grant to the mix, the Blazers have a potent offensive arsenal.
However, their defense is another story, ranking third-worst in defensive rating last season. This plays into the Clippers’ hands, especially Kawhi Leonard, who is projected to have a big fantasy impact according to numberFire.
The pace of the game will likely be a deciding factor. Portland had a slower pace last season, but with their revamped backcourt of athletic guards, they may opt for a faster tempo. While I’m not confident in Portland covering the spread due to defensive concerns, I see the over as a strong pick. Expect the Blazers to push the pace and showcase their promising offense, while their defensive struggles could lead to a high-scoring affair.
And there you have it, our top NBA betting picks for Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Keep in mind that these lines may change throughout the day, so be sure to stay updated for the latest odds.
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Now, go forth and make those winning bets. May the odds be ever in your favor!
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