NBA Picks & Player Props – Tuesday, 21st October

*These NBA tips and player prop picks are done the previous game day. Adjust selections should spreads and lineups change.

---

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS @ NEW YORK KNICKS

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

TEAM TRENDS

• Cavaliers: Covered the spread in 8 straight games as road underdogs vs Eastern opponents.
• Cavaliers: Won 3 straight games as underdogs vs Knicks.
• Knicks: Last 7 home games vs Cavaliers have gone UNDER the total.
• Knicks: Won the 1st half in 7 straight home games vs Cavaliers.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The 2025–26 NBA season gets underway Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks square off in an early Eastern Conference showdown. Both teams enter the new campaign with championship aspirations, having strengthened their benches while keeping their core units intact over the offseason.

New York begins a new era under head coach Mike Brown, who previously led the Cavaliers in two separate stints, replacing longtime coach Tom Thibodeau. Cleveland, meanwhile, will start the year without Darius Garland, sidelined with an injury that has proven costly in the past — the Cavaliers have dropped five of their last seven games without him in the lineup.

Cleveland dominated this matchup last season, sweeping the four-game series and earning two victories on the road. Donovan Mitchell played a starring role, averaging 26.3 points across three appearances, while Garland added 21.5 points and 6.8 assists per contest.

PICK – OVER 229.5 TIOTAL POINTS

–

---

BROOKLYN NETS @ CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

TEAM TRENDS

• Hornets: Failed to cover the spread in 10 straight games as home favourites.
• Nets: Lost 11 of last 12 season openers.
• Nets: 11 of last 12 road games vs Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total.
• Nets: Won the 1st quarter in 13 of last 14 games vs Hornets.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The NBA season begins for the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center, where both teams will be looking to rebound from disappointing campaigns. Expectations remain modest for each side, though both made notable offseason moves aimed at sparking improvement.

Brooklyn reshaped its roster by acquiring Michael Porter Jr. from Denver in a deal that sent Cam Johnson the other way, while also infusing youth through five first-round draft selections, led by Egor Demin. Charlotte added Duke product Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick, hoping he can become a long-term building block.

LaMelo Ball is set to return to action after recovering from ankle and wrist surgeries, providing a boost for the Hornets. The Nets claimed last season’s series 3–1, with Charlotte’s lone victory coming at home.

PICK – UNDER 225.5 TOTAL POINTS

–

---

MIAMI HEAT @ ORLANDO MAGIC

Amway Center, Orlando, FL

TEAM TRENDS

• Heat: 12 of last 14 season openers have gone OVER the total.
• Magic: Won 8 of last 9 games vs Southeast Division opponents.
• Heat: Lost the 1st half in 8 of last 9 road openers vs Eastern opponents.
• Road team: Covered the spread in 7 of the Heat’s last 8 games.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The season gets underway for the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic at Kia Center, where both teams enter with very different outlooks. The Magic open the new campaign as one of the Eastern favorites after trading for Desmond Bane, whose elite perimeter shooting should help fix a glaring weakness — Orlando ranked last in the league from three-point range at just 31.8% last season.

Miami, meanwhile, returns largely the same roster that was swept by Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, with Norman Powell standing out as the most significant offseason addition. The Heat will be without leading scorer Tyler Herro to start the year as he recovers from an ankle injury, a worrying sign given the team’s six-game losing streak without him in the lineup.

Last season’s four-game series between these teams was evenly split, with each side earning one win at home and one on the road.

PICK – MIAMI +8.5

–

---

TORONTO RAPTORS @ ATLANTA HAWKS

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

TEAM TRENDS

• Hawks: Last 6 home openers as favourites vs Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total.
• Favourites: Won each of the Raptors’ last 9 games.
• Hawks: Won the 1st quarter in 9 straight season openers.
• Road team: Covered the spread in each of the last 6 games between Raptors and Hawks.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The season begins for the Raptors and Hawks at State Farm Arena, where both teams look to re-establish themselves as Eastern contenders. The Hawks enter the new campaign with optimism, bolstered by the arrivals of Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker alongside a talented core featuring Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and a fully healthy Jalen Johnson, who was limited to just 36 appearances last season.

Toronto kept a lower profile during the offseason but will aim for a bounce-back year after injuries derailed much of 2024–25. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley combined to miss 121 games, leaving the team short-handed for much of the campaign.

The Raptors took last season’s series 2–1, with neither side managing to win on home court.

PICK – UNDER 235.5 TOTAL POINTS

–

---

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS @ BOSTON CELTICS

TD Garden, Boston, MA

TEAM TRENDS

• 76ers: Lost 11 straight games vs Atlantic opponents.
• Last 4 games between 76ers and Celtics have gone OVER the total.
• 76ers: Failed to cover the spread in 9 of last 10 games vs Eastern opponents.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The NBA season begins for the 76ers and Celtics at TD Garden, where both teams are looking to rebound from injury-plagued campaigns. Boston enters what many are calling a transition year after a major roster shakeup. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles tear suffered during last year’s playoff loss to New York, the Celtics moved on from Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis — three key contributors to their 2023–24 championship run.

Philadelphia took a quieter approach in the offseason after enduring a nightmare year marred by injuries to Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, who combined to miss 134 games. That stretch of absences led the 76ers to the third overall pick in the draft, used to select Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe.

Boston claimed last season’s series 3–1, continuing its recent dominance in the rivalry. Jaylen Brown’s status remains uncertain for the opener as he manages a hamstring issue.

PICK – BOSTON -2.5

–

---

DETROIT PISTONS @ CHICAGO BULLS

United Center, Chicago, IL

TEAM TRENDS

• Pistons: Lost 4 straight games as favourites.
• Bulls: Last 3 season openers have gone OVER the total.
• Bulls: Covered the spread in 5 of last 6 games as home underdogs.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The NBA season begins for the Pistons and Bulls at United Center, where both teams will look to build on encouraging steps forward from a season ago. Detroit is fresh off earning its first playoff victory since 2008, even though it ultimately fell 4–2 to the Knicks in the opening round. The Pistons retained their promising young core and added veteran depth with the arrivals of Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson.

Chicago also kept the foundation of its youthful roster intact after a play-in tournament exit last season. The franchise’s biggest offseason move came in the form of a four-year contract extension for Josh Giddey, signaling continued belief in his development as a central playmaker.

Detroit took last season’s head-to-head series 3–1. For the Bulls, Coby White remains sidelined and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

PICK – DETROIT -3.5

–

---

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS @ MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

FedExForum, Memphis, TN

TEAM TRENDS

• Pelicans: 6 of last 7 road games have gone OVER the total.
• Grizzlies: Won 4 straight games vs Pelicans.
• Grizzlies: Won the 1st quarter in 9 of last 10 home games vs Pelicans.
• Pelicans: Failed to cover the spread in 4 straight games.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

Both teams aim to bounce back after frustrating, injury-affected seasons. Memphis received a boost with Ja Morant expected to return after missing the entire preseason with an ankle injury, though the team will be without Scotty Pippen Jr. and new signing Ty Jerome. The Grizzlies made one of the summer’s biggest moves, trading Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first-round picks.

New Orleans enters the new campaign determined to climb the Western Conference standings, led by a leaner and healthier Zion Williamson. The All-Star forward was limited to just 30 games last season — none of which came against Memphis — as the Pelicans struggled for consistency. The Grizzlies took full advantage, sweeping last year’s four-game series, including two wins at home.

PICK – MEMPHIS -3.5

–

---

WASHINGTON WIZARDS @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI

TEAM TRENDS

• Bucks: 11 of last 12 games as home favourites have gone OVER the total.
• Bucks: Won 9 of last 10 home games vs Wizards.
• Wizards: Covered the spread in 7 of last 8 road openers.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

Milwaukee spent the offseason reshaping its roster in an effort to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window. The Achilles injury and subsequent release of Damian Lillard prompted the Bucks to sign Myles Turner, a move that also led to the departure of veteran center and 2021 NBA champion Brook Lopez.

Washington, meanwhile, faces another rebuilding season after finishing 18–64 a year ago. The Wizards slipped to the sixth pick in the draft lottery, using it to select highly touted guard Tre Johnson, who headlines a young and developing roster.

Milwaukee holds a four-game home winning streak over Washington, including two victories during a sweep of last season’s three-game series.

PICK – MILWAUKE -9.5

–

---

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS @ UTAH JAZZ

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

TEAM TRENDS

• Pistons: Lost 4 straight games as favourites.

• Bulls: Last 3 season openers have gone OVER the total.

• Bulls: Covered the spread in 5 of last 6 games as home underdogs.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The Clippers enter the campaign as one of the league’s most experienced teams, adding Bradley Beal, John Collins, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez to a veteran core anchored by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. In total, Los Angeles now features eight players aged 30 or older, underscoring its win-now approach.

Utah, by contrast, continues to build for the future with one of the NBA’s youngest rosters — 10 players under 25 years old — led by 19-year-old Ace Bailey, the fifth overall pick out of Rutgers. The Jazz will be looking to gain experience and consistency as their young core develops.

The Clippers dominated this matchup last season, sweeping the four-game series, including a 120–116 win on the road. Harden was the standout performer, averaging 29.0 points and 10.3 assists across those meetings.

PICK – UNDER 227.5 TOTAL POINTS

–

---

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ DALLAS MAVERICKS

American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

TEAM TRENDS

• Spurs: Last 10 season openers have gone OVER the total.
• Mavericks: Won 14 of last 16 games vs Spurs.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

The season begins for the Spurs and Mavericks at American Airlines Center, featuring a marquee matchup between two franchises showcasing elite young talent. This game marks the debut of the top two picks from the 2025 NBA Draft — Cooper Flagg, joining Dallas from Duke, and Dylan Harper, selected by San Antonio out of Rutgers.

The Spurs also welcome back 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, who returns after missing the final 30 games of last season. His presence proved critical in 2024–25, with San Antonio posting a 21–25 record when he played compared to 13–23 without him.

Dallas enters the new campaign riding a four-game home winning streak over San Antonio, including two victories last season that helped the Mavericks secure a 3–1 series win.

PICK – OVER 225.5 TOTAL POINTS

–

---

SACRAMENTO KINGS @ PHOENIX SUNS

Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

TEAM TRENDS

• Kings: Last 5 road openers have gone OVER the total.
• Suns: Won 6 of last 7 season openers.
• Suns: Lost the 1st quarter in 10 of last 11 games.
• Kings: Failed to cover the spread in 3 of last 4 games.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

Both teams enter the campaign with rosters that raise plenty of questions. Sacramento made headlines by signing 36-year-old Russell Westbrook to join a veteran-heavy core featuring DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis — a group that produced a 40–42 record last season. The Kings will, however, be without Sabonis to start the year as he recovers from a mild hamstring strain.

Phoenix underwent a dramatic overhaul of its own, moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal while bringing in Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to reshape the team’s identity. The Suns are banking on their new-look lineup to provide better balance and defensive edge after an inconsistent 2024–25 season.

Sacramento took last year’s series 3–1, with its lone loss coming on the road in Phoenix.

PICK – OVER 227.5 TOTAL POINTS

–

---

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES @ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Moda Center, Portland, OR

TEAM TRENDS

• Home team: Won each of the last 5 games between Timberwolves and Trail Blazers.
• Timberwolves: Last 5 season openers have gone UNDER the total.
• Timberwolves: Won the 1st quarter in 7 of last 8 games vs Trail Blazers.
• Home team: Covered the spread in each of the Timberwolves’ last 6 games.

WIN/LOSS

SEASON POINTS +/-

PICKS ATS

Minnesota aims to build on back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, returning much of its core but losing key role player Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency. The Timberwolves remain one of the conference’s elite defensive units and will look to take the next step toward a Finals berth.

Portland, meanwhile, underwent a busier offseason after a 36–46 finish last year. The Trail Blazers reunited with franchise legend Damian Lillard, who returns to continue rehabbing his torn Achilles, while Jrue Holiday joined via trade from Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons. The revamped roster offers a blend of experience and familiarity as Portland seeks a fresh start.

Last season’s four-game series between these clubs ended evenly, with each team winning both of its home matchups.

PICK – MINNESOTA -4.5

–