22 NBA teams will get their seasons underway here in what is always one of the most exciting days of the season. There are some enticing matchups on display, including the Houston Rockets playing host to the Pelicans and the LA Clippers welcoming the Nuggets to Hollywood. Let’s take a look at 4 of the best games on the board today, with a daily multi thrown in for good measure.
Hornets
The Hornets are starting fresh in 2018/19, firing Head Coach Steve Clifford after a disappointing 36-win season. Led by All-Star Point Guard Kemba Walker, the Hornets boast a well-rounded starting five that lacks any significant weaknesses. The off-season acquisition of Tony Parker should definitely help a bench unit that struggled mightily last season. Whilst I expect an improved season from the Hornets, coming up against Giannis and Co will likely prove a difficult start to the season.
Bucks
Buoyed by the addition of new Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, big things are expected of the Bucks this season. Star Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is predicted by many to be the league MVP this year, whilst the Bucks have every shot at a top 4 seed in the East. Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez are great supporting pieces that should complement Giannis well. Aussies Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker could also prove to be strong contributors off the bench.
Prediction: Bucks -2
Giannis is by far and away the best player on the court in this one. Similarly, I believe the Bucks second unit has a big advantage over Charlotte’s. Combine these two factors with the Bucks coaching advantage and I expect an opening day Milwaukee win.
Rockets
Fresh off a 65-win season, the Rockets head into the 2018/19 campaign on a somewhat disappointing note. Their poor off-season has fans and analysts alike wondering whether they can improve on last year’s effort. Led by James Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capela, the Rockets have a strong starting line-up capable of troubling most teams in the association. They face a tricky encounter in game 1, playing host to the upstart New Orleans Pelicans.
Pelicans
After a surprise Conference semi-final appearance last season, things are looking up for the Pelicans. Star man Anthony Davis is amongst the favourites for MVP, whilst the addition of Julius Randle makes for an intriguing big man rotation. Point Guard Jrue Holiday leads the back court for New Orleans and will need to maintain his stellar play for the Pelicans to improve off of last season.
Prediction: Pelicans +7.5
Through the key number of 7, I feel relatively confident taking the Pelicans here. I expect the big man trio of Davis, Randle and Nikola Mirotic to cause some trouble against the Rockets interior. Coming off of a deep playoff run, it could be some time before the Rockets are back to their best. Rockets in a tight one, with the Pelicans covering the spread.
Kings
Based on off-season activity, the Kings look like a front-runner for the worst team in the NBA this year. That said, their young core should make for some exciting and fast-paced basketball. De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield make for an interesting young backcourt, whilst #2 draft pick Marvin Bagley headlines a list of exciting young Kings big men. Up Against a strong Utah team that they don’t match up well with, I can’t see Sacramento covering the 6.5-point spread.
Jazz
Utah ended the 2017/18 season in incredible form, winning 29 of their last 35. They parlayed that into an excellent first-round series win over the fancied Oklahoma City Thunder. Led by Center Rudy Gobert and Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell, Utah are a team I expect big things from this season. They have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA at all 5 positions, in addition to their strong home-court advantage. In Quin Snyder, they also have one of the best and most underrated coaches in the NBA. I expect the Jazz to make light work of teams like the Kings this year.
Prediction: Jazz -6.5
I expect Utah to push for 55 wins this season. If they’re to achieve this, these are the types of games they have to win. Utah has the significant talent edge on both ends of the court in this one. I predict that they’ll go into Sacramento, put in a professional performance and walk away with a double-digit victory.
Clippers
Without their former ‘Big 3’ of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers are starting afresh in 2018/19. They have a deep and versatile roster, with capable players at all 5 positions. However, there appears to be a lack of star talent on this team, which could lead to them struggling in the clutch. Avery Bradley, Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris make for an interesting wing rotation, whilst Lou Williams adds a scoring punch off the bench. Led by veteran Coach Doc Rivers, the Clippers are a team who could surprise a few this season.
Nuggets
After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Nuggets enter 2018/19 with a renewed sense of optimism. Their starting five is one of the most dynamic in the entire association and I expect Denver to be amongst the league leaders in points this season. Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic form the foundation of an excellent front court and are complimented nicely by Gary Harris and Jamal Murray in the backcourt.
Prediction: Denver -1
For me, Denver is the much better team here. I believe they have a legitimate shot at the #4 seed and these are the games they’ll need to win to get there. I expect the Nuggets offensive firepower to prove too much as they win this by 7.
I’m keeping it simple with the daily multi today. These are three home teams with a noticeable talent advantage in each matchup. Each of these teams has playoff aspirations and will look to get off to a solid start on their own home court. As far as multis go, this represents good value at $2.28 in this early part of the season.