The NBA season tipped off last night, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors traveling to face the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, tonight, there’s a slate of 12 games to examine some best bet predictions.
Let’s dive into my NBA best bets today.
NBA Best Bets for Tonight (October 22)
All NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Wednesday, Oct. 22, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Orlando Magic -8.5 (-102) vs. Miami Heat
I’m a massive believer in the Magic this season, and they’re kicking off my NBA best bets. Under Jamahl Mosley, they’ve made the playoffs the last two seasons, but unfortunately, injuries cut their season short.
Now, they’ll have their lineup with Paolo Banchero, Moe Wagner, Franz Wagner, and a new addition in Desmond Bane.
Last season, the Magic allowed a league-low 105.5 points per game, too.
Yes, 8.5 is a lot of points to lay on opening night, but I expect the Magic to start strong. This could also be a game to look for some of the best NBA prop bets today.
Charlotte Hornets -5.5 (-110) vs. Brooklyn Nets
Yes, the Hornets were dreadful last year, but my goodness, this Nets team doesn’t seem to be trying to do anything of note this season.
They lost the following players this offseason: Tosan Evbuomwan, Cameron Johnson, Keon Johnson, D’Angelo Russell, Drew Timme, Trendon Watford, and Dariq Whitehead.
I also expect LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to take a massive step forward this season.
Of my best NBA bets tonight, I’m more so betting against the Nets rather than for the Hornets in this one. That said, if you want to be more conservative, I’d only consider the Hornets at -192 to be among my best NBA moneyline bets today.
Los Angeles Clippers -10.5 (-105) at Utah Jazz
The thing with the Clippers has always been health and getting their stars on the court all at once, and, at least for this game, that seems like it’ll happen.
Their starting five consists of James Harden, the newly-acquired Bradley Beal, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac.
The Jazz have some exciting pieces in Ace Bailey, and I like Lauri Markkanen, but the talent is on the Clippers’ side in this one.
Again, like the Magic above, 10.5 is a lot, but the Clippers should be able to have their foot on the gas in their first game of the season. Of my best bets for the NBA tonight, I am confident in this one.
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