The 2016-17 NBA season is finally upon us and with it brings a chance to manipulate some opening day odds and lines that are based purely on speculation, gossip and guesswork.
Wednesday features a triple header including both of last season’s NBA finalists, the Cavaliers and the Warriors, as well as a host of talent including the much maligned New York Knicks and the clinical San Antonio Spurs.
Check out below for a break down of all games as well as NBA betting tips.
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (Wednesday, October 26th at 10:40am AEST)
The reigning champion Cavaliers will be looking to get their title defence off to a hot start at home when they face off against the New York Knicks. Bolstered by the addition of former MVP Derrick Rose and Chicago teammate Joakim Noah, the Knicks will have their sights set on a playoffs campaign after failing to reach the post season all of the last three attempts.
The two recruits join perennial NBA all star Carmelo Anthony and exciting sophomore Kristaps Porzingis to create an interesting starting five going into the season. Whether or not they will mesh or not is another story, and coming up against the champs who are virtually unchanged will be a massive task. Not much valTue in the H2H market here as LeBron, Kyrie and co. should take care of business comfortably.
Utah Jazz at Portland Trailblazers (Wednesday, October 26th at 1:10pm AEST)
Utah open their 2016-17 season against the Trailblazers with high ambitions. The additions of Indiana point guard George Hill and former all star Joe Johnson will boost the Jazz’s scoring options. Those recruits paired with a formidable defensive big man duo in Derrick Favours and Rudy Gobert have many people tipping the Jazz to be a playoffs team in 2017.
The Jazz will be without star wing Gordon Hayward due to injury, taking away a valuable defensive option against Portland’s star back court in Damian Lillard and C.J McCollum. The Blazers go into the season nearly unchanged, with the only notable addition being Warriors big man Festus Ezeli who will also miss tomorrow’s game. Utah are a much improved side on paper and added experience will be an invaluable commodity in the locker room. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pinched this one at long odds away from home.
Note: Derrick Favors has been ruled out of today's game. This out, in addition to Hayward, might suggest this will be too tough for the Jazz. Our plus the points tip will stand, but you may now be able to get a better price / better line in the lead-up to the game.
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors (Wednesday, October 26th at 1:40pm AEST)
The opening day marquee game features two west conference giants as the Spurs travel to Oakland to take on Steph Curry and the Warriors. ‘The Roaracle’ will be pumping as they unveil their megastar new recruit, former MVP and scoring champion Kevin Durant. Apart from winning last years title, the Warriors have done just about everything else over the last two seasons, and luring Durant will bring speculation and animosity in the eyes of the public to the team that broke the single season win record last year. Look for this season to be somewhat of a revenge tour for the Warriors.
The Spurs will miss the defence of arguably the greatest power forward of all time, Tim Duncan, in 2016-17, however, they have upgraded the position offensively with the addition of champion Laker Pau Gasol. Under the radar losses David West and Boris Diaw could play a massive part in the consistency night in night out throughout the year, however.
It’s hard to remember a time when this much basketball talent has been assembled on one team as it has on the Warriors this year. Look for them to outscore most opponents they come up against, including the Spurs in their season opener.
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
