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Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (0-1) drop by TD Garden Friday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game against the Boston Celtics (0-1). Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto got clubbed by the Washington Wizards 98-83 in its season opener as a 2.5-point home favorite. The Raptors held the Wizards to just 19% from behind the arc but were outscored 56-40 in the paint.

Boston lost a thrilling double-overtime game 138-134 at the New York Knicks Wednesday. Guard Jaylen Brown scored 46 points on 16-for-30 shooting with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Like Toronto, Boston lost its season opener because New York outscored the Celtics 60-42 in the paint.

Boston beat Toronto in all three regular-season meetings last year (2-1 against the spread). Forward Jayson Tatum had his way with the Raptors last season, averaging 28.0 points per game on 70.3% true shooting (.532/.529/.862) with 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

Raptors at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Celtics -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +6.5 (-110) | Celtics -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Raptors at Celtics key injuries

Raptors

PF Pascal Siakam (shoulder) out

Celtics

SG Josh Richardson (head) probable
PG Marcus Smart (knee) probable
C Al Horford (reconditioning) questionable

Raptors at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 112, Raptors 102

Money line

PASS because Boston is the right side in this game but the Celtics (-220) is a little out of my price range for most favorites in NBA regular-season action.

Against the spread

BET the CELTICS -6.5 (-110) for 1 unit because I’m much lower on Toronto’s roster this season than Boston’s and I expect a bounce-back game from Tatum after a rough opening night.

Tatum crushed the Raptors last season and Toronto’s wing defense has to be weakened with Siakam out of the lineup. Tatum was 7-of-30 against the Knicks Thursday and missed a whole bunch of shots he usually makes.

I have more faith in Boston’s ability to play interior defense than Toronto’s. The Celtics have a quality rim protector in C Robert Williams and should be getting Horford back Friday.

VanVleet being the focal point of Toronto’s offense is concerning for the long term and in this matchup. Celtics guard Marcus Smart has defended VanVleet well when they’ve met.

VanVleet is scoring just 7.7 points per game on 23.9% field goal shooting (25.0% 3-point shooting) against Smart in their six meetings.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 218.5 (-112) for a half unit because this is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” game with the presumed sharp money backing the Under but the public is betting the Over according to Pregame.com at the time of publishing.

Typically, it’s wise in sports betting to follow the money especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

Toronto scored just 83 points against a Washington team who’s been terrible defensively for the past few seasons and is incorporating new players into its scheme.

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New York Knicks at Orlando Magic odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s New York Knicks at Orlando Magic odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Knicks (1-0) head south to take on the Orlando Magic (0-1) Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from Amway Center. Below, we look at the Knicks vs. Magic odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Knicks, who were one of the best Against The Spread teams in the NBA last season, are coming off a thrilling double-overtime win over the Boston Celtics and look to continue their dominance in their second game. New York is led by F Julius Randle and enters as a heavy favorite despite being on the road.

Center Mohamed Bamba and G Cole Anthony lead the Magic with F Jonathan Isaac sidelined. Orlando started the season with a brutal 26-point road loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Magic started two rookies — Guards Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs — along with Anthony in the defeat as they remain at the beginning of a lengthy rebuild.

Knicks at Magic odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Knicks -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Magic +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
Against the spread (ATS): Knicks -7.5 (-110) | Magic -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Knicks at Magic key injuries

Knicks

PF Taj Gibson (personal reasons) questionable
C Nerlens Noel (left knee) out

Magic

PG Markelle Fultz (left knee) out
SG Gary Harris (right hamstring) out
PF Jonathan Isaac (left knee) out
SG E’Twaun Moore (left knee) out
PF Chuma Okeke (right hip) out
PG Michael Carter-Williams (left ankle) out

Knicks at Magic odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 106, Magic 97

Money line

PASS on the money line.

There’s just not much value in Knicks -320. They should win this game against a heavily injured Magic team that started two rookies in a blowout loss to the Spurs.

However, odds this steep on the money line shouldn’t be considered as upsets run rampant in the NBA.

Against the spread

BET on the KNICKS -7.5 (-110) as the best value. After covering a 2.5-point spread in double overtime at home against the Celtics, New York hits the road for the first time.

While I do love the Knicks, PF Julius Randle, PG Derrick Rose, and others like SG Alec Burks and SG Evan Fournier don’t quite get it done against elite competition, as was shown in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

However, the Magic aren’t elite competition, and the Knicks did have the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA last season. That’s really all you need to know.

The Magic will again start two rookies against a mighty defense. That’s a recipe for disaster as no player reached 20 points as the team failed to score 100 in their season opener at San Antonio.

Did you see the above injury report? That’s just disastrous for the home team.

I’m siding with the team that has actual expectations this season against one with multiple rookies that relies on Mo Bamba for scoring.

It’s just the better bet in this instance. The line opened at -6, and is up as -8 in some places, so bettors are going heavy on New York.

Over/Under

“LEAN” on the UNDER 212.5 (-110).

The Magic only mustered 97 points in their opener, and while the Knicks did put up 138 against the Celtics, they also did have the 22nd-best offensive rating last year and the game went to double overtime.

Randle, Rose, Burks, and Fournier are all certainly capable of having an off night which is why money line wagers aren’t ideal. Randle and Fournier combining for 67 a second game is unlikely.

However, the Knicks’ defense and the Magic’s injuries to go with their youth point all things to the Under for a comfortable half unit bet.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (0-1) seek their first win of the season Friday on the road against the winless Los Angeles Lakers (0-1). Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET at Staples Center. Below, we look at the Suns vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Suns kicked off the season Wednesday with a 110-98 home loss to the Denver Nuggets. Phoenix held a 16-point lead late in the second quarter they scored only 40 points in the second half. Guard Devin Booker struggled as he shot 3-for-15 from the floor for just 12 points.

The Lakers also lost their season opener at home as they fell 121-114 to the Golden State Warriors. Warriors G Stephen Curry had a triple-double against them and five other Warriors scored in double digits. The Lakers had a huge game from F LeBron James, who scored 34 and had a triple-double of his own, and F Anthony Davis, who added 33 points and 11 boards, but no one else scored more than 8 points.

Suns at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Suns -108 (bet $108 to win $100) | Lakers -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns +1.5 (-122) | Lakers -1.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Suns at Lakers key injuries

Suns

G Landry Shamet (foot) probable

Lakers

F Trevor Ariza (foot) out
SG Wayne Ellington (hamstring) out
PG Kendrick Nunn (knee) out

Suns at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 115, Lakers 111

Money line

The Suns had an awful game from Booker and no one scored more than 16 points in their season-opening loss to the Nuggets. He will have a bounce-back game and that will make all the difference. Phoenix had the league’s best road record last season at 30-17, including the playoffs.

The Lakers are a tough matchup in the frontcourt with James and Davis, and the addition of G Russell Westbrook – who only had eight points in his Lakers debut – can cancel out Suns G Chris Paul in terms of production, but they don’t have someone to stop Booker.

Take the SUNS (-108).

Against the spread

It is hard to see either one of these conference favorites to start the season 0-2, but the Lakers have a lot of new faces to find a rhythm with. The Suns are largely the same team, although they added Shamet and former Lakers C JaVale McGee.

Phoenix had the league’s second-best cover percentage last season at 59.1%, while the Lakers had the third-worst at 43.6%, including the playoffs.

Take the SUNS +1.5 (-122).

Over/Under

The Suns’ Over percentage a season ago was 55.4%, the fourth-highest in the league, while the Lakers had the lowest at 39.5%, including the playoffs. However, the projected total tonight is too low.

The Lakers’ season opener had a total of 235 and the Suns’ opener was 208 – but the Suns only shot 41% from the field. That will not be the norm for this team.

Take OVER 220.5 (-110).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers open their regular season by visiting the Golden State Warriors (1-0) Thursday at the Chase Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clippers vs. Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

L.A. advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals despite losing leading scorer SF Kawhi Leonard to injury in the conference semifinals. The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in the conference finals and Kawhi remains sidelined to start the season.

The Clippers finished the season 57-34 overall, 50-40-1 against the spread (ATS) and 44-45-2 Over/Under (O/U), including the postseason.

The Warriors opened their season with a 121-114 upset of the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday on NBA’s opening night as 3.5-point road underdogs.

Golden State’s depth was the difference in the game as the Warriors’ bench outscored the Lakers’ 55-29 as Steph Curry only scored 21 points on 5-of-21 shooting.

L.A. won and covered in two of the three regular-season meetings last year with Golden State. The Clippers had the same straight-up and ATS record vs. the Warriors the year prior, which was the first season Kawhi and Paul George played for L.A.

Clippers at Warriors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Clippers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Warriors -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +3.5 (-112) | Warriors -3.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Clippers at Warriors key injuries

Clippers

SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
PF Serge Ibaka (back) out
SF Nicolas Batum (personal) out
PG Jason Preston (foot)

Warriors

SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
C James Wiseman (knee) out
SF Jonathan Kuminga (knee) out

Clippers at Warriors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Clippers 119, Warriors 112

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Clippers (+130) because I’m going to bet L.A. plus the points and generally like to sprinkle on an underdog’s money line when betting them to cover.

The Clippers were 4-8 overall as a road underdog last season, and the Warriors were 15-5 overall as a home favorite with a plus-9.2 margin of victory.

Plus I’m skeptical that L.A. can just pick up where it left off in the playoffs and be the team that upset the Utah Jazz without Kawhi. It was an awesome story last season but does that carry over into this year?

Against the spread

BET the CLIPPERS +3.5 (112) for 1 unit.

This is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” game with the presumed sharp money backing the Clippers whereas a majority of the bets placed are on the Warriors, according to Pregame.com at the time of publishing.

Typically, it’s profitable to follow the money in sports betting especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

Wednesday had five NBA games where the sharp money was oppo the public on the opening line; the money column went 4-1, according to Pregame.com.

The Lakers got a ton of open looks against the Warriors Tuesday but aren’t nearly as good of a 3-point shooting team as the Clippers. In fact, the Clippers led the NBA in 3-point shooting last season. G/F Paul George was fantastic last season against Golden State and Curry was subpar vs. L.A.

PG averaged 21.0 points per game (PPG) on 64.2% true shooting (.452/.526/.938) with 7.7 rebounds per game and 4.7 assists per game (APG) in three games against the Warriors. While Curry put up 21.3 PPG on 53.3% true shooting (.421/.393/.667) with 6.3 APG in his three games vs. L.A.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 227.5 (-108) for a half unit because I prefer L.A. getting points more than the total in this game.

I expect the Clippers to play looser and shoot a higher volume of 3-pointers while Kawhi is sidelined with injury. Also, the Clippers-Warriors total opened with a 226.5-point total before “sharp” money has steamed this number up to the current price.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks open up their 2021-22 seasons with a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off at State Farm Arena in Atlanta Thursday. Below, we look at the Mavericks vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Dallas blew a 2-0 lead in its Western Conference first-round playoff series as it lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Clippers last year. The Mavs finished last season 45-34 overall, 38-41 against the spread (ATS) and 37-42 Over/Under (O/U), including the postseason.

Atlanta fans are hoping their team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season is a sign of things to come. The Hawks were 51-39 overall, 49-40-1 ATS 39-49-2 O/U last season (including the playoffs).

The Hawks lost in six games in the conference finals to the champion Milwaukee Bucks after beating the New York Knicks in the first round and upsetting the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Mavericks won both regular-season meetings against the Hawks last year but Atlanta covered the second game as a 3.5-point road underdog in a 118-117 loss.

Guards Luka Doncic and Trae Young were traded for each other on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft. They’ve played four times thus far and the Mavs are 3-1 in those games.

Mavericks at Hawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Mavericks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Hawks -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Mavericks +2.5 (-108) | Hawks -2.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Mavericks at Hawks key injuries

Mavericks

None.

Hawks

SF Danilo Gallinari (shoulder) questionable
SG Lou Williams (hip) questionable
C Onyeka Okongwu (shoulder) out
PF Jalen Johnson (ankle) probable

Mavericks at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawks 113, Mavericks 108

Money line

BET the HAWKS (-140) for 1 unit because they have a deeper roster and we have to see how the Mavericks look under first-year head coach Jason Kidd.

Dallas is very reliant on Doncic and I have little confidence the Mavs can win if he’s not the best player on the floor. While Luka is the best player on the floor in this game the next six best players are on Atlanta’s roster.

The Hawks were 29-13 overall as a favorite and 21-5 overall as a home favorite last season (including the playoffs) despite changing coaches in the middle of the season.

I’m higher on Atlanta’s roster, continuity and coaching staff than Dallas’s so I’m willing to spend a little more for the HAWKS (-140) outright.

Against the spread

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Hawks -2.5 (-112) only because I’d prefer to lay it with Atlanta’s money line than bet the spread.

I could understand playing the spread instead if you felt the Hawks (-140) straight-up is a little too pricey. However, Atlanta is the correct side and the best option is the money line.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 224.5 (-108) for 1 unit despite the Mavericks-Hawks total being kind of low considering these teams combined for 235 and 238 points in their two regular-season meetings last year.

Dallas was 5-14 O/U as a road underdog in 2020-21 and Atlanta was 8-17-1 O/U as a home favorite with a minus-7.2 total margin.

More than 95% of the money at the time of publishing is on the Over but the total hasn’t really budged from the opener.

Granted, it’s early in the betting day and if that money keeps pouring in on the Over the House will adjust. However, it would appear as though oddsmakers are comfy with the total they set for the Mavericks-Hawks.

Let’s fade the market and BET UNDER 224.5 (-108).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Miami Heat are one of the last teams to open their season as they host the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) Thursday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at FTX Arena. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Heat odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Bucks played in the league’s season opener at home Tuesday when they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 127-104. F Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, while F/G Khris Middleton added 20 points and 9 boards.

The Heat begin their season after trading for PG Kyle Lowry and signing F P.J. Tucker and F Markieff Morris in the off-season, giving them more firepower and toughness to help F Jimmy Butler. They finished 40-32 last season and made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference but were swept by the Bucks in the first round.

Bucks at Heat odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Heat +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5 (-112) | Heat +2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

F Bobby Portis (hamstring) out
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
SF Rodney Hood (foot) out
PG Jrue Holiday (heel) probable

Heat

PG Victor Oladipo (knee) out

Bucks at Heat odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 112, Heat 104

Money line

The Bucks picked up where they left off last year in winning the championship with a big win at home over the Nets. They were 2-1 last season against the Heat in the regular season before sweeping them in four games in the first round of the playoffs, going 3-1 overall in Miami. The Bucks were only okay on the road last season as they finished 20-16 overall.

The Heat debut their season with their new roster. Gone is G Goran Dragic and in is Lowry at point guard. They were 21-15 at home.

With the Bucks already looking like they were in rhythm in their season opener, take MILWAUKEE (-140).

Against the spread

The Bucks finished at 46-49 ATS last season, including the playoffs, and had one of the worst road ATS records in the league at 20-28 ATS.

The Heat were 35-39-2 ATS overall last season and 15-21-2 ATS at home.

With a Bucks team playing well with a lot of continuity and a Heat team that will need to find its way with new players, take the BUCKS -2.5 (-112).

Over/Under

The Bucks allowed only 104 points in their season opener but rolled against the Nets and their notoriously porous defense for 127.

All three of their regular-season games last year, but just one of their four meetings in the postseason, had totals higher than tonight’s projected number.

However, I expect the Heat to be able to limit the Bucks more than the Nets did. It won’t be enough to beat them but Milwaukee will have to battle in a lower-scoring game.

Take UNDER 223.5 (-112).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets Wednesday at Footprint Center for both teams’ regular-season openers. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Denver’s season ended last year after being swept in the Western Conference Semifinals by Phoenix. The Nuggets failed to cover the spread in their four series losses to the Suns but were 2-1 overall and against the spread (ATS) vs. Phoenix in the regular season.

The Nuggets ended the regular season third place in the West and finished the season 51-31 overall record (38-44 ATS), which includes the postseason.

The Suns are running it back with the same team that finished second in the Western Conference last season with a 65-29 overall record (55-38-1 ATS), which includes the postseason.

Last year was Chris Paul‘s first with Phoenix and the Suns were beat by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals, 4-2.

Nuggets at Suns odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nuggets +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Suns -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +6.5 (-120) | Suns -6.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Nuggets at Suns key injuries

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray (knee) out

Suns

Nothing affecting gambling odds.

Nuggets at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 119, Nuggets 109

Money line

PASS even though Phoenix is the right side because the Suns (-260) is a little out of my price range for an NBA regular-season favorite.

Denver’s matchup issues in the backcourt against Phoenix in their playoff series persist. The Nuggets are still without Murray and his backup — PG Monte Morris — can’t guard CP3. I’d expect Paul is going to work C Nikola Jokic and the rest of Denver’s bigs in pick-and-roll action just like in the playoffs.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the SUNS -6.5 (-105) for a half unit since their offense knifed through Denver’s defense and there’s no reason for Phoenix to not have similar success in this meeting.

The Suns were 30-17 ATS at home and 28-14 ATS as home favorites last season (including the playoffs). On the other hand, Denver was just 20-21 ATS on the road and 6-9 ATS as a road underdog, including the postseason.

Furthermore, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, Phoenix was 17-7 overall vs. teams top-10 in net points per 100 possessions with a plus-3.5-point differential last season. While Denver was 12-12 overall with a minus-1.4-point differential against teams top-10 in net points per 100 possessions.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 224.5 (-108) for a half unit because there’s a “line freeze” in the betting market that’s concerning. More than 80% of the action is on the Over according to pregame.com, but the total hasn’t budged since the opener.

Phoenix averaged 121.5 points per game in the Western Conference Semifinals series vs. Denver. Also, the winning side in the Nuggets-Suns meetings last year has scored at least 116 points in six of the seven contests.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Sacramento Kings visit the Portland Trail Blazers as the teams open their seasons Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Below, we look at the Kings vs. Trail Blazers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Kings were 31-41 last season for the second consecutive year and finished 12th in the Western Conference. They added big men C Tristan Thompson and C Alex Len in the offseason and drafted PG Davion Mitchell ninth overall. Luke Walton is in his third season as their head coach. They are led by G De’Aaron Fox, who averaged 25.2 points per game last season.

The Blazers open a new era with Chauncey Billups as head coach as they try to get over the hump of just making the playoffs. They lost in the first round in six games to the Denver Nuggets as the sixth seed in the Western Conference last year. PG Damien Lillard is still the main man as he enters his 10th season with the club.

Kings at Trail Blazers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Money line: Kings +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Trail Blazers -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kings +5.5 (-115) | Trail Blazers -5.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Kings at Trail Blazers key injuries

Kings

None

Trail Blazers

G Tony Snell (foot) out

Kings at Trail Blazers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Trail Blazers 121, Kings 114

Money line

The Kings were only 15-21 last season on the road, while the Blazers were 21-18 at home. Portland won all three meetings last season.

The Kings are still an up-and-coming team, while the Blazers are still considered playoff-bound as the new season begins.

Until we see the Kings be significantly better than in years past, go with the home team.

Take the TRAIL BLAZERS (-210).

Against the spread

The Blazers were 40-38 ATS last year, including the playoffs, while the Kings were 34-37-1 ATS. The Blazers were 16-23 ATS at home and the Kings were 21-15 ATS on the road.

With fans back in the building, the energy will be high.

LEAN TRAIL BLAZERS -5.5 (-107).

Over/Under

The Blazers had one of the league’s best offenses last season as they ranked fifth in the league with 116.1 points per game. The Kings averaged 113.7 points per game, but were last in the league in defensive rating.

53.2% if the Blazers’ games last season went Over the projected total, while exactly 50% of the Kings’ did.

I don’t expect the Kings to be significantly better defensively than last season right away and the Blazers still have one of the most explosive scorers in the league in Lillard. I expect a high-scoring affair to open the year.

Take OVER 232.5 (-108).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics meet the New York Knicks Wednesday at Madison Square Garden for both teams’ regular-season openers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

New York finished last season 42-35 overall, 47-30 against the spread (ATS) and 32-44-1 Over/Under (O/U), which includes the postseason.

The Knicks were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs 4-1 as a 4-seed to the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks. PF Julius Randle won the 2020-21 NBA Most Improved Player award and led New York in points (24.1), rebounds (10.2) and assists per game (6.0) last season.

Boston was 38-40 overall, 36-42 ATS and 40-38 O/U last season, including the playoffs. The Celtics clinched a postseason berth as a 7-seed last season by beating the Washington Wizards in the inaugural NBA Play-In Tournament.

The Brooklyn Nets beat the Celtics 4-1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs to end Boston’s season. The Celtics were led by All-Stars SF Jayson Tatum (26.4 points per game) and SG Jaylen Brown (24.7 PPG).

New York was 2-1 overall and ATS vs. Boston last season.

Celtics at Knicks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:12 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Knicks -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +2.5 (-112) | Knicks -2.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Celtics at Knicks key injuries

Celtics

SF Jaylen Brown (return to competition reconditioning) questionable
C Al Horford (health and safety protocols) out

Knicks

C Nerlens Noel (knee) doubtful

Celtics at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 112, Celtics 106

Money line

BET the KNICKS (-135) for 1 unit even though I’m higher on the Celtics for the season as a whole because New York has one of the biggest home-court advantages in the NBA.

Also, we have to see Boston’s offensive scheme under first-year head coach Ime Udoka because if the Celtics play like they did last season, then the Knicks have even more value in this spot.

Boston’s ball-dominant wings Tatum and Brown love to operate in the mid-range. According to CleaningTheGlass.com, Tatum’s mid-range, field-goal volume was in the 85th percentile of forwards and Brown’s was in the 84th percentile of wings last season.

New York’s defense was elite in all parts of the floor and had the third-best defensive field-goal percentage on mid-range shots (according to CleaningTheGlass.com). If the Celtics settle for contested mid-range jumpers, then the Knicks will be in good shape defensively.

The Knicks were seventh in mid-range field-goal volume and the Celtics ranked 22nd in defensive mid-range field-goal shooting. Not only that but New York’s starting backcourt of SG Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker comes over from Boston.

Walker struggled to stay healthy with the Celtics so, theoretically, he will be at his healthiest in the first game of the season. Fournier gives the Knicks more perimeter shooting and helps space their offense out.

Finally, the Celtics will be without Horford, and Brown could play but has missed a couple of weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. Boston’s injury report combined with the analysis above makes the KNICKS (-135) plus-EV for me.

Against the spread

PASS because the Knicks -2.5 (-107) doesn’t make a ton of sense when you can just spend a little extra on New York’s money line.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 217.5 (-115) for a tiny wager if at all since all three of the Celtics-Knicks regular-season meetings last season went Under the total.

However, both teams were very good from behind the arc last season. New York ranked third in 3-point shooting percentage and Boston ranked 11th. On top of that, New York’s offseason additions of Fournier and Walker raise its offensive ceiling but don’t bring a lot on the defensive end of the floor.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans odds, pick and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

To commence both teams’ season, the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) head down south to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (0-0). The game is set to tip at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday and will be held at the Smoothie King Center. Below, we look at the 76ers at Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Sadly, for fans, two of the biggest names in basketball won’t be playing in his one. G/F Ben Simmons was slapped with a one-game suspension Tuesday while F Zion Williamson will be out with an injury.

With that in mind, this matchup will still feature C Joel Embiid, an MVP candidate from a season ago, and F Brandon Ingram, a bonified star in his own right.

The Sixers, despite being on the road, will enter as favorites, finishing last season as a top-three team in the East. They barely missed the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the Trae Young-led Atlanta Hawks.

76ers at Pelicans odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: 76ers -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Pelicans +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers -3.5 (-108) | Pelicans +3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

76ers at Pelicans key injuries

76ers

G Ben Simmons (suspended) out
G Shake Milton (ankle/illness) out

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (foot) out

76ers at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 112, Pelicans 105

Money line

PASS on the money line as the Pelicans have too many wildcards to make it worthwhile for Sixers betters. Now, that’s really only on the money line. If you’re going to bet Philadelphia, take the points.

We’ll get more into this below.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the SIXERS -3.5 (-108) as the best value for a team-specific bet. The Sixers were 7-7 last season without Ben Simmons.

The three-time All-Star has been a major distraction, but that doesn’t seem to have bothered Embiid, who is coming off his best season in the league, much.

Embiid will be the best player on the court, and inserting Tyrese Maxey won’t be that big of a blow for Philadelphia. While I do like this Pelicans team, especially third-year G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they won’t have the scoring or size without Williamson.

Having to deal with scorers like F Tobias Harris and G Seth Curry is easier said than done. Keeping pace with a deep Sixers team will be tough, even at home. I’d be the spread for the team with the game’s best player.

Also, the Pelicans were 2-9 without Williamson last season and only lost one by less than three.

This should be one where the Sixers win by a handful, and taking them to go over two is the better play, especially at this value.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 225.5 (-108) as the best value on the total.

Despite both teams ranking in the top 15 in points per game last season, taking out one team’s more lethal scorer and the other team’s most dangerous passer, this game should slow up.

Ingram is great one-on-one but doesn’t play with great pace. With the Sixers more Embiid-centric without Simmons, his involvement should slow the game down.

With potentially some rust as well and some discontinuity without Simmons, the Under seems like the better move, almost strictly based on who isn’t going to be on the court for this one.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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