Betseeker’s expert tipsters have you covered for the best NBA tips and predictions for every game of the NBA season.
We get a big slate for Day 2 of the NBA season, with plenty of value across 12 games.
Best Bet
Cavaliers @ Raptors (10:30am)
With Donovan Mitchell joining the Cavs this season, we get a fairly low assist line for Darius Garland for this season opener against the Raptors, but we should still see Garland as the primary ball-handler for Cleveland.
Ranked sixth for assists per game in the NBA last season with 8.6, it was the second half of the season where Garland shined averaging 9.9 from his last 34 games, recording 8+ in 25 of those games and 10+ in 20.
Although he probably won’t have the same usage rate with Mitchell on board, it may not matter with a major offensive weapon next to Garland – something the Cavs lacked last season.
Producing 12 assists in their final pre-season match against the Hawks, he shouldn’t have any trouble covering this line while the 10+ and 12+ are also worthy plays paying $2 and $3.13 respectively.
Next Best
Magic @ Pistons (10:00am)
Number 1 pick Paolo Banchero had a slow start to the pre-season but found his feet and shouldn’t have any troubles covering 13.5 points when the Magic go to Detroit.
You get the impression the Magic are more than happy to give Banchero the keys to their offense this year, leading Orlando in field goal attempts in the pre-season with 10.2 per game, averaging 14 points from five games in 24 minutes per game.
It was Banchero’s last three games that were most encouraging, recording 19 points in 21 minutes against the Mavericks, followed by 17 points against both the Grizzlies and Cavaliers.
The rookie will play 30+ minutes in Orlando’s season opener – don’t be surprised if he goes for 20+ paying $5.75.
VALUE BET
Nuggets @ Jazz (12:00pm)
The Nuggets were pretty good last season, but now they’ll add Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to their starting line-up, and they are a genuine contender for this year’s NBA championship.
Bones Hyland has been impressive coming off the bench in the pre-season, and they really look a complete roster despite some of their talent being underdone. It’s not a bad time to mention they still have the 2x MVP Nikola Jokic running the show.
As for the Jazz – they are bad. Danny Ainge might show his ‘Tank for Victor’ hand very early this season, with a starting line-up of Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, Lauri Markkanen, Jarred Vanderbilt and Kelly Olynyk. They do have Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson coming off the bench, but they’re so far off the Nuggets level that this won’t be close.
Thursday NBA Multi
Denver / Orlando / Washington / Minnesota = $6.23
