NBA Tips, Thursday Oct 31

NBA Tips, Thursday Oct 31

INDIANA PACERS VS BOSTON CELTICS
Boston Celtics (-7) $1.92

The Pacers hope to halt a three-game losing streak when they welcome the 2024 NBA Champions to Indianapolis.

The Celts are 4-0 to start the season, covering the points line in three of those victories.

Boston have the highest ranked offence in the league, averaging 124.3 points across four games, with points differential of +15.

Alternatively, the Pacers are bellow average on both ends of the court, and still look to be finding their feet this season.

I’m backing the Celts to come into the Pacers home and wipe the floor with them.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS
SGM: Chet & Wemby to Score 20+ Points & Have 10+ Boards

OKC look to go 4-0 to start the season when they welcome the Spurs to Oklahoma.

All eyes will be on the battle of the slender centres, as 2023/24 ROTY Wemby, goes head-to-head with his string bean rival in Chet Holmgren.

Chet has been a main driver of the Thunders success early in the season, with the big man averaging 24-13-3 across the first three fixtures, along with four blocks per game.

Alternatively, Victor has averaged a healthy 20-12-2 and 3 blocks across his opening three games.

I believe the tall timbers will be raring to get one up on each other, as such I’m backing them both to enjoy a big night out.

NBA Tips, Wednesday Oct 30

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS DALLAS MAVERICKS
SGM: Kyries & Edwards to Score 25+ Points

The Timberwolves host the Mavericks in a WCF grudge match.

Dallas blew by the T-Wolves 4-1 in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, with Kyrie averaging 27 points across the series after Anthony Edwards foolishly called him out.

Ant held his own with 24 points across the five games, but was let down by the likes of KAT who shot at 24% from deep on 33 attempts!

I’m backing this one to get feisty, with Kyrie and Ant both putting up buckets.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Pelicans to Cover $1.90

Golden State welcome the Pels to the Chase Arena, where they are looking to claim their first home win (0-1).

Meanwhile, NOLA are looking make it three wins on the trot after seeing off Chicago and Portland, and will fancy themselves against a Dubs outfit who will likely be without an injured Steph Curry.

It’s hard to see the Dubs cooking without the Chef on court, as Steph is the only consistent performer in the Warriors backcourt.

I’m taking the Pens to cover here.

NBA Tips, Tuesday Oct 29

Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz
SGM: Mavs to Cover & Klay to hit 3+ 3PT FGs

The Jazz are still searching for their first win of the season following back-to-back defeats in Utah against the Grizzlies and the Dubs.

They’ll take on a Mavs outfit who are 1-1 and looking to go 2-0 at home.

Utah were touched by Golden State from behind the arc last time out, with the Dubs hitting 20 threes from 40 attempts, in a 41-point victory.

The Mavs have the ability to replicate the Dubs production from deep, with the likes of Klay Thompson ready to cash in.

I’m backing the Mavs to cover the healthy line, combined with 3+ made threes from Klay.

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers
SGM: AD & KD to score 25+ Points

The Lakers and the Suns are set to go toe-to-toe for the second time in four days, after a heroic performance from AD put Phoenix to bed last time out.

The Suns will be at home for this one, where they are coming off a victory against their boogey side the Mavs, with KD putting up an efficient 31 points.

Alternatively, the Lakers look to remain undefeated with JJ Redick at the helm, after an incredible late showing from a 39-year-old LeBron James got them over the line against the Kings.

Anthony Davis has averaged 34 points across the Lakers opening three fixtures, and the big man’s health will play a defining roll in his sides championship ambitions.

I’m backing AD and KD to both chip in for 25+ points for their respective outfits here.

NBA Tips, Monday Oct 28

Monday Multi
Milwaukee + OKC + Golden State

We’re treated to five NBA fixtures to kick-start the working week, an although there are no blockbuster matchups, there is great potential to pick out a few winners.

Milwaukee def Brooklyn
The Bucks head to Brooklyn off the back of a strong opening night performance, with Dame looking back to his best.
Alternatively, after the Nets reclaimed their draft picks in the Mikal Bridges trade, you always knew this season was destined to be thrown in the trash.
Bucks should win easy.

Oklahoma def Atlanta
OKC has assembled one of the most balanced lineups in the NBA, with their eye’s set on the championship.
They’ll play host to a Hawks outfit who only narrowly defeated the Nets on opening day, and will likely be battling for a play-in position this season.
Thunder to win comfortably.

Golden State def LA Clippers 
PG13 gone, Kawhi injured, James Harden has the keys.
Golden State to win!

NBA Tips, Sunday Oct 27

CHICAGO BULLS VS OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
SGM: Giddey 4+ Assists, 6+ Rebounds, 10+ Points $2.20

OKC head to Chicago where they’ll take on their former point guard Josh Giddey.

Giddy has a bit to prove in this matchup, after the Thunder traded him to the Bulls for 30-year-old defensive guard/roll player Alex Caruso.

Oklahoma head into this fixture as red-hot favourites, with many pundits picking them to top the West this season.

I’m backing Giddy to dig deep into his bag tonight, dropping 6+ Boards, 4+ Assists and 10+ Points.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS TORONTO RAPTORS
SGM: Minnesota by 11+ & Edwards 25+ Points

The Raptors play 2nd of back-to-back fixtures when they travel to Minnesota.

Toronto are heavily intrenched in a rebuilding phase for the franchise, with nobody expecting them to challenge for playoff basketball this season.

Alternatively, the T-Wolves are looking to go one step further this campaign, with their eye on an NBA Finals birth.

I’m backing Minnesota to roll the Raptors by 11+, combined with 25+ points from Anthony Edwards.

NBA Tips, Saturday Oct 26

Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies
SGM: Sengun 15+ Points & 12+ Rebounds

Two highlight reel teams in the Rockets and the Grizzlies are set to meet in Houston on Saturday morning (AEST).

Sengun returned to the Rockets starting five with a bang following a lengthy absence at the tail end of last season, the talented centre put up 18+ boards and 25+ points against the Hornets.

The 3rd year big man will take to the floor against the Grizzlies rookie centre Zack Edey, a battle Sengun will be eager to sink his teeth into.

I’m backing Sengun to enjoy another fill-up in the paint, bringing down 12+ boards and dropping 15+ points.

LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns
Suns to Cover

The Suns travel to Crypto.com Arena, where they a set to take on Western Conference rivals the Lakers.

The Lakers claimed their first opening night victory in eight years when they toppled the T-Wolves two days ago.

AD was the hero in the fixture, scoring 32+ points to go along with a tremendous defensive display.

The Suns have floated through the off-season largely unnoticed, though i think we are set for a massive year from the star-studded outfit.

Phoenix added a competent guard in Tyus Jones to their roster in the offseason, this calculated addition will free up Booker from playmaking duties, allowing him to focus on his biggest strength, buckets.

I think the Suns will make an early statement here, running through the Lakers with ease.

NBA Tips, Friday Oct 25

Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Sacramento Kings (+1.5) $1.90

The T-Wolves look to bounce back from defeat against the Lakers when they travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings.

Minnesota still look to be coming to grips with their roster shake up, with new additions Randle and DiVincenzo combining for 26 points from 21 shots.

The Kings depth chart is arguably stronger than that of the Lakers, and with the addition of the ever present DeMar DeRozan to their starting Five, I believe the Kings are going to push for a top four seed int he West this season.

I’m backing the home side to cover as slight underdogs.

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver Nuggets (-1) $1.90

Two of the favourites to take out the West are set to face-off the opening round of fixtures, as the Nuggs play host to the Thunder.

The Nuggets’ offseason was widely criticised, with the 2023 champions allowing KCP to leave, while bringing in the much maligned Russell Westbrook.

Alternatively, OKC were one of the big winners in the trade period, dealing Giddy to the Bulls in exchange for defensive guard Alex Caruso, before picking up Isaiah Hartenstein on the free.

Unfortunately, Hartenstein will be sitting the opening two months with a broken hand, giving the Nuggs a size advantage in this fixture.

Denver has attracted a lot of negative media and doubters in the NBA community, I think this coverage will only serve to fuel them this season.

Regardless of the support cast, I’m backing Nikola Jokic with a home court advantage every day of the week and twice on Sundays!

NBA Tips, Thursday Oct 24

Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks
Tyrese Maxey Over 28.5 $1.83

The 76ers host the Bucks in a season opener between two heavy hitters in the East.

Unsurprisingly, both Joel Embiid and Paul George will sit this game out through injury, setting the tone for what could be an injury plagued season for Philly.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s one-two punch in Giannis and Dame are both fit and raring to go following a disappointing end to the 2023/24 season, while Middleton is set to miss through an ankle injury.

With Embiid and PG13 off the court, Tyrese Maxey is set to be given the keys to the franchise, the young guard had a breakout season in ’23/24, averaging 26 points in the regular season, 30 in the post.

I’m backing Maxey to start the season off with a bang.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors
Gold State (-6) $1.90

The Warriors are set to play their first game in the post Klay era when they head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers.

However the absence of Thompson provides an opportunity for Kuminga to elevate his game to a new level, and earn himself a max contract.

Portland was god awful last season, finishing dead last in the Western conference standings with a 21-61 record.

This season I can see them tanking even further, as they eye off a chance to draft a generational talent in Cooper Flagg.

The line looks way too short for me here, and I’ll be taking to Dubs to cover at a canter.

NBA Tips, Wednesday Oct 23

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks
Celtics to Win & KAT 10+ Rebounds $2.05

The 2024/25 NBA season tips off on Wednesday morning (AEST), when defending champs Boston Celtics welcome division rivals New York Knicks to TD Garden.

The Celts are running back this season with the same group of guys who lifted the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, with Kristaps Porziņģis the only player sitting out the season opener through injury.

Meanwhile, the Knicks were busy in the offseason, acquiring the services of Mikal Bridges and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, while seeing Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein leave the franchise.

Boston won the regular season series 4-1 last year, and will be looking at sending a message to the rest of the league as they begin their title defence at the TD Garden.

I’m backing the Celtics to start their season with a W, combined with 10+ Rebounds from KAT who will be playing at the five for his new side.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota (-1) & Edwards 25+ Points $2.59

Next up the Lakers play their first NBA game under new head coach JJ Redick, but the media storm will likely surround the debut of Bronny James, son of King James and a benefactor of his Dad’s influence over the Lakers’ front office.

Minnesota will begin life post KAT, after trading away their nine year star for the services of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

The Lakers have lost their last seven opening fixtures, while the T-Wolves won last year’s regular-season series against their Western Conference rivals 3-1.

Ant-man had a breakout season for the Timberwolves last year, enjoying his matchups against the Lakers, averaging 27+ points across four games.

I’m backing Anthony Edwards to have a day out here, scoring 25+ points, combined with the visitors covering the line.

NBA Tips, Tuesday June 18 – NBA Finals

BOSTON CELTICS VS DALLAS MAVERICKS
Celtics to Cover $1.90

The NBA Finals head back to Boston for Game 5 following a dominant Mavericks performance in an elimination game in Dallas.

The Celts withdrew their starting five before the end of the 3rd quarter, such was the dominance of the home side, with Luka and Kyrie combining for 50 points in just over 30 minutes.

The game was won and lost on the boards, with Dallas collecting 20+ more rebounds than Boston, Lively leading the way with 12 off the bench in 22 minutes.

As much as I’d love to see this one go to a Game 6, I can’t see the Mavs replicating this performance at TD Garden, especially after no shows in Games 1 & 2.

I’m backing the Celts to clinch the title at home, raising their record breaking 18th banner.