Our first full NBA schedule for 2016/17
Tonight’s 10 NBA Games Picks
Miami @ Orlando
The Say
For the first time in a long time the Heat take to the floor without D-Wade, aka The Flash, aka WOW (Way of Wade, possibly the worst self-given nickname ever). Without Chris Bosh (blood clots) the Heat are removed of the big-three, with Whiteside bearing the load of the work from hereon in. Serge Ibaka joins the Magic, but the Heat may pull out an upset here.
Best Bet: Miami +4.0 @1.91
Feeling Lucky: Nope
Dallas @ Indiana
The Say
Harrison Barnes joins the Mavericks, along with Andrew Bogut as Dallas aim to become the slowest transition team in the NBA. The Pacers added Thaddeus Young and Jeff Teague, but as we all know this is PG-13’s team. The Pacers should win here, with Harrison Barnes’ 4-year, $95 million contract continuing to become the 8th wonder of the world.
Best Bet: Indiana WIN @1.39
Feeling Lucky: Indiana -6.0 @1.91
Brooklyn @ BostonThe Say
The Brooklyn Nets are long since removed from the ‘glory days’ of Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett. Now the glory is provided by Brook Lopez and not a hell of a lot else (oh yeah, Jeremy Lin also).
The Celtics signed Al Horford, a handy inclusion which will sit well alongside the backcurt duo of Isiah Thomas and Avery Bradley. Even with Marcus Smart (ankle) out, the Celtics will get the job done here.
Best Bet: Boston -13.5 @1.91
Feeling Lucky: Nope
Detroit @ Toronto
The Say
The Pistons are crossing the border to Canada to face a Raptors team who have kept much of their 2015/16 roster intact.
The Stan Van Gundy led Pistons made the playoffs last year after a 6 year drought, but were swiftly shown the door by Cleveland in Round 1.
Common sense says to take the home team here, and that’s what we’ll do, but in a close one. We look forward to another year of Drake hugs.
Best Bet: Total Points Over 195.0
Feeling Lucky: Nope
Charlotte @ Milwaukee
The Say
The Bucks look set to struggle coming into the new season, especially following the injury to Khris Middleton (ACL) in the pre-season. The additions of Matthew Dellavadova, Jason Terry and Tony Snell will help the Bucks, but won’t be enough beat the Hornets with a lineup more in-tune with each other at this early stage.
Best Bet: Charlotte WIN @1.79
Feeling Lucky: Charlotte 1-10 @2.59
Minnesota @ Memphis
The Say
Minnesota have armed themselves with strong defensive minded coach Tom Thibodeau and along with past number 1 picks in KAT and Wiggins, they are gathering momentum from all directions to make the postseason for the first time since the Garnett days. Memphis will be one of the teams in their way and are still on the mend from season ending injuries from last year. Could be a perfect start for the young Wolves.
Best Bet: Minnesota +7.5 @1.44
Feeling Lucky: Minnesota WIN @2.10
Denver @ New Orleans
The Say
The Pelicans again will be limping into a season where their best lineup wont be available on opening night. AD had an injury setback in preseason while Evans and Holiday will be unavailable. The Nuggets will be rolling with the “kic” boys at the center position and would be very confident in stealing a win in New Orleans.
Best Bet: Under 213.5 @1.49
Feeling Lucky: Denver WIN @2.20
Oklahoma City @ Philadelphia
The Say
As the preseason went on, the 76ers kept losing key players to injury. Simmons and Noel will be missing for some time but lucky for them, they have only been drafting PF & Cs for the last 4 years. Fan favourite Ish Smith has left the building with Philly not having much up front to stop Russell Westbrook as he begins his journey of revenge.
Best Bet: Oklahoma WIN @1.21
Feeling Lucky: Oklahoma -8.5 @1.91
Sacramento @ Phoenix
The Say
This season marks yet another coach for DeMarcus Cousins to try an adapt to. The Kings didn’t do much to improve their roster and will have Ty Lawson running the point while Collison serves an 8-game ban. The Suns have unearthed a star in Devin Booker who will have some support from returning injured stars in Bledsoe and Knight. The Suns have the tricks while the Kings have the height, Phoenix at home.
Best Bet: Phoenix +2.5 @1.49
Feeling Lucky: Phoenix WIN @1.67
Houston @ LA Lakers
The Say
James Harden and the Rockets have rarely struggled at Staples against the Lakers and with D’Antoni on the sidelines for Houston, expect the pain to continue in a high scoring matchup. The Rockets will hardly be playing any D this season so look for Russell to put up some Kobe-like shot totals, that goes for Harden too, battle of the lefties.
Best Bet: Houston WIN @1.35
Feeling Lucky: Over 222.5 @1.91 or Houston -6.5
