NBA Opening Night is just three weeks away and sportsbooks have opened all the game markets for the first two games. Is there any early value that we can lock in as teams start to open training camp?
Let’s see which games hold value on BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review).
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 – 7:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The first game of the season has the defending champs as home underdogs on ring night and that can bring a whole lot of variables into play for Milwaukee.
A slow start to this game could be on the horizon, so an early play on Brooklyn would be where my mind goes initially. However, through all four quarters, the Bucks should have some value here. Kyrie Irving has been in the news a lot for his takes on vaccines, but this game being in the heartland of Wisconsin doesn’t matter as much as it does when the Nets return to Brooklyn.
Part of me wants to bet the Bucks here, but it’s a pretty slim proposition either way you look at the spread, so I’m going to lay off. One area there could be some value is in this crazy total of 240 points. It’s touched 240.5 as well in some shops and under might not be a bad idea if a few things fall our way.
Brooklyn played at the 11th fastest pace in the league in Steve Nash’s first year at the helm, while Milwaukee was one of the faster paced teams in the entire league. If Brooklyn grabs a lead in this game and is able to hold it for most of, if not all of the game, they may be able to slow down the Bucks enough to keep their offense from unloading 125 points at home.
Combine a slow start for Milwaukee with the Nets working the Bucks down in the half court and the under might be a good play, but this early out it’s still a lean.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 - 10:00 PM ET at Staples Center
If there is one game I know I’m probably going to bet on opening night, it’s the Warriors heading into LA to play the Lakers.
There is still a ton to hash out before the game tips off, but there are several indicators making me lean heavily towards taking the points with the Warriors.
Klay Thompson is out until January and Andrew Wiggins’ home game status is up in the air, but assuming he can play in LA pending a negative Covid-19 test, the only real concern for Golden State is James Wiseman. The second year big man is still recovering from meniscus surgery and could be out against the Lakers.
Even without Thompson and probably Wiseman, the Warriors’ roster is dangerous. If the new-look Lakers (who have no resemblance to their title team two seasons ago) falter early in this one, the Warriors are deep enough to get the cover, or even the outright win.
I’m still not sold on the Lakers’ merry band of misfits and minimum contracts as a viable contender in the stacked Western Conference.