Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Friday, Oct 24

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks 7:30 p.m. EST

It’s the first matchup of the season between these storied franchises as the Celtics enter with an opening night loss while the Knicks beat the Cavaliers.  Boston comes in with significant changes and uncertainty. The Celtics are operating without their star Jayson Tatum after his Achilles injury.  Their roster has undergone a shake-up, leaving more responsibility on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to lead the scoring up front, which they did against the 76ers, both players scoring 25 each but it wasn’t enough in a 117-116 loss.

The Knicks opened the season with a convincing 119-111 win over Cleveland where OG Anunoby led the way with 24 points and 14 rebounds while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 11 boards and Jalen Brunson finished with 23 points.  The Knicks will need better 3-point shooting from their star guard who was just 1-9 in that game.  Defensively, the Knicks must be disciplined; Boston will attack switches and use its ball movement to create open looks. 

Recent Betting Trends

• Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games against New York.
• Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York.
• New York is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing as the favourite.
• The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York’s last 15 games at home.

Prediction

In their opening game, we saw how much the Celtics miss Jayson Tatum.  His presence up front was sorely missed and against a big front court with the Knicks, it will be a struggle for them to keep pace.  Expect a big game from Towns and Anunoby on the glass as New York improves to 2-0 out of the gate.  BEST BET: Knicks -6.5

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors 4:400 p.m. EST

The Raptors opened their season with a convincing 138-118 road win at Atlanta, as 6.5 point underdogs. Now, they have the task of playing their home opener the same night as Game 1 of the World Series.  Toronto had 7 players hit double-digits against the Hawks, including three topping 20 points.  RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes led the way with 25 and 22 points but the bench contributed in a big way for the win.  

The Bucks also had an easy opening night win taking down Washington 133-120. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds while six others hit double digits including every starter.  There’s no question the Bucks can score, but they give up a lot of points as well. 

Recent Betting Trends

• Milwaukee is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee’s last 5 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 7 games against Milwaukee.

Prediction

With offensive outbursts from both teams in their first games, and their lack of defensive play, how can you not assume this will be another high scoring affair. And when you look at the history of these matchups, with 5 of the last 7 going OVER, this seems like a slam dunk bet.

BEST BET:  OVER 229.5

Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers 10:00 p.m. EST

There is some major drama surrounding this game after Portland coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of an FBI gambling probe. How will this affect the players and staff? It’s a storyline that could impact betting markets, and as the season progresses, keeping up with NBA news and off-court developments like this is essential. You can track it all through the NBA news hub on BetOnline.

The Warriors are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA and have the greatest shooter, Stephen Curry. Portland gave up 15 of 30 treys against Minnesota while Golden State hit 17 of 40 against the Lakers on opening night. For bettors looking to explore more matchups like this one or dive into NBA game lines, totals, and spreads, you can find them updated daily in the BetOnline Sportsbook. The key matchup here will be Curry vs Jrue Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive Team member.

Prediction

With the media frenzy surrounding the Trail Blazers you have to like the Warriors chances in this one.  But Golden State does play the night before so it will be important to check which players may sit this one out as part of load management.  Still, Curry and crew should be able to withstand back-to-back games this early. Keep an eye on this line as it should change by Friday morning.  BEST BET:  Warriors -1.5

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers 10:00 p.m. EST

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season with mixed results.  While Luka Dončić poured in 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, the Lakers fell 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors.  But there was concern as the Slovenian superstar was dealing with an inner leg, right groin issue.  However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said the injury seems minor, but you may want to monitor his status Friday morning.

The Timberwolves opened the season with a 118-114 road win at Portland and surprise, surprise, Anthony Edwards led the way with 41 points including going 5-10 from beyond the arc.  Minnesota shot 49% from the field and 50% from three-point land.  In a rematch of last year’s playoff series where the T-Wolves cruised in five games,  can Minnesota continue its dominance against LA?  

Prediction

Much of this line depends on whether Doncic will play.  It appears he should be ready to go but it’s something you should confirm in the morning.  In last year’s playoffs, the teams went over this total just once in five games.  BEST BET:  UNDER 224.5