The 2015-16 NBA season is almost upon us and each week we will be taking a look at the best matches on the schedule and providing you with the best NBA promotions from the different sports bookmakers. This week we will be looking at the Spurs Vs Thunder game along with providing NBA betting tips for more Thursday, October 29 games.
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San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (Thursday 11am AEST - LIVE ON ESPN AUS)
These two sides weren’t able to live up to their standard expectations last season with the Spurs losing to a buzzer beater in game 7 whilst injury troubles to Russell Westbrook and former MVP Kevin Durant saw the Thunder miss out on the playoffs completely.
A new season brings even higher expectations for the Spurs as they picked up the biggest offseason acquisition with big man Lamarcus Aldridge now partnering up with the two-time MVP and 39 year old veteran Tim Duncan. These two will match up with Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter and they will have their hands full to stop the offensive force. Kanter is known for his troubles on the defensive end and if he hasn’t made solid improvement over the offseason the Aldridge and Duncan combination could dominate down in the low post.
The defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard will have to deal with the four time NBA scoring champion whilst the biggest issue for the Spurs will be in the point guard area. Father time caught up with Tony Parker throughout last season and it is a tough ask for any player to match it with Westbrook’s athleticism and explosiveness. Westbrook will be able to run riot and kick off the 2015-16 season with a huge bang as OKC pick up the narrow victory on their home court.
TIP: Thunder 1-10 @ $2.37 with Sportsbet
Cleveland Cavaliers at Memphis Grizzlies (Thursday 11am AEST)
Lebron James and the Cavaliers will start their season with two tough matches and this will be their second match in two days. It shouldn’t effect them too much being the early stages of a long season however the style of play that the Grizzlies bring to the court will make them feel battered and bruised.
The addition of Matt Barnes to the line up for the Grizzlies bring a perfect fit as he is known for his defence whilst he also brings the threat of the three point shot to spread the floor for their two big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.
However, it is easy to forget that the team that was beaten in last season’s Finals series was very short due to injuries. A lot was spoken about the losses of Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, which are obviously huge, but the loss of center Anderson Varejao was evident and his defence and rebounding will be necessary in this match.
It is simple, the Cavaliers have the best player in the world on their team and he has all the tools around him to spread the floor and their depth in the side has improved since last season. You can’t miss out on the opportunity for them to have a head start in a match.
TIP: Cavaliers +5 @ $1.91 with Palmerbet
Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings (Thursday 1pm AEST)
Doc Rivers and the Clippers were able to work their magic in the offseason by retaining their dominant center DeAndre Jordan after he had all but signed a contract to head to the Mavericks. Along with these they were able to add a lot of depth to their talented side bringing in Josh Smith, Lance Stephenson Wesley Johnson, Pablo Prigioni and of course Paul Pierce. The experience and talent make their bench incredibly strong and they will be again fighting for a spot at the top of the Western Conference. Blake Griffin broke out in the playoffs last season and he is primed for an MVP standard season.
The Kings have been in the rebuilding period for years now and it despite acquiring Rajon Rondo and Marco Bellinelli, they will still struggle this season in the tough West. Partnered with DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore makes for a solid starting core but their lack of depth will be found out throughout a long season and the Clippers will be able to dominate the Kings when they turn to their second outfit.
TIP: Clippers -5.5 @ $1.95 with Crownbet
New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers (Thursday 1pm AEST)
The Pelicans showed drastic improvement last season as they made their way into the playoffs. They would lose in the opening round to eventual champions the Golden State Warriors but the experience gained for the side is invaluable. They will have higher aspirations this season and the majority of it will lay on the shoulders of future superstar Anthony Davis. The “Brow” became a monster on both ends of the floor last season and another offseason should see him grow to greater heights.
Meanwhile the Trail Blazers had an offseason to forget as they lost LeMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Nicolas Batum and Arron Affalo. The starting line up will look completely different other than their point guard Damien Lillard.
Despite the Pelicans playing a back-to-back match away from home, they will be too strong for the Trail Blazers who will have to take time to gel with their new side.
TIP: Pelicans @ $2.25 with WilliamHill
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Best 2015-16 NBA Betting Promotions
Place a 4+ leg multi with Sportsbet and you will an incredible bonus in odds. 4 leg multi = 15% bonus, 5 leg multi = 20% bonus and 6+ leg multi = 25% bonus up to $200!
Place a 4+ leg multi on NBA games played on the same day with Crownbet and if only one leg fails then receive a bonus bet up to $50!
Place a in-play bet on any head to head match and if your team reaches 88 points first but loses, CASH BACK up to $50!
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets.
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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!
