NBA season is officially back, and there are ten games on the slate tonight! While I won't place bets on all of the games, my focus will remain on the three best bets of the night to start us off right this season!
(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
After a magical first night of NBA action, I will focus on multiple matchups today. Eastern Conference Rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0, 0-0 home) will host the Milwaukee Bucks (0-0, 0-0 home) in the city of brotherly love. After finishing as the no. 3 seed, the Bucks conceded to the Indiana Pacers in the first round 4-2. Without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks didn't have a real change.
Expected to make some noise this year, they face the 76ers, who will be without star Joel Embiid and newly signed veteran Paul George. +3.5 point favorites at home, tonight't won't be an easy task for the 76ers.
Pistons host Pacers and Raptors face Cavaliers
Following a historically bad season, the Detroit Pistons (0-0, 0-0 home) will host the Indiana Pacers (0-0, 0-0 home) on the road tonight. With a newly revamped Pistons roster, they're +5.5 point underdogs at home. One round away from reaching the NBA Finals, the Pacers will be back for blood this season.
Next up, the ailing Toronto Raptors (0-0, 0-0 home) will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0, 0-0 home) tonight. With multiple injuries on the roster, the Cavaliers are tabbed as -6.5 point spread favorites. With the starting five finally healthy, can the Cavaliers make a big run in the Eastern Conference this year?
NBA Odds Are Current As of October 23 at 8 A.M. ET
If you're an avid NBA bettor and fan, you've come to the right place! In this article, I will cover a mix of spread, moneyline, and total bets in my predictions today. With the Bucks and 76ers slated to air on ESPN, all other matchups I've mentioned are available to watch on NBA League Pass. Right on the money in cashing out the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, let's look to start off the NBA betting season strong.
Let's take a look and analyze my best NBA bets for Wednesday, October 23. If you plan to tail my bets, I've placed all of my wagers within FanDuel Sportsbook. All taken as straight bets, I placed one unit on each bet.
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NBA Best Bets For Wednesday, October 23
NBA Moneyline Bet: Milwaukee Bucks
- Milwaukee Bucks ML (-168 FanDuel)
Milwaukee Bucks 2023-2024 NBA Record: 49-33, 18-22 home
My best moneyline bet of today, I chose the Milwaukee Bucks to win straight up vs the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. Suffering a knee injury, Philadelphias biggest star Joel Embiid will not be able to suit up for the season opener. In addition, newly signed Paul George hyperextended his knee, and won't be available for today's matchup.
Although Embiid laced up for only 39 games last season due to knee surgery, the France native was active on the USA Olympic roster come August. However, we know the big man's importance on this time, and wins are tough to come by without him.
With a record of 88-116 all-time without Embiid, the 76ers will heavily rely on their big man to remain healthy to make a championship push this season. Although Embiid won't play on back-to-back game nights, that's not a terrible choice. With a record of 16-27 without the big man last season, that's a huge blow for the 76ers tonight.
While George's long awaited 76ers debut will be pushed back, George luckily avoided any serious injury after an extension and bone bruise. Although George has quite the extensive history of injuries, he was fairly healthy, leading the Clippers with 76 games played in 2023-2024.
Injuries To Joel Embiid And Paul George Can Impact The Game
While we don't know what impact George will have on the 76ers, Philadelphia had a 31-8 record with Embiid on the court last season. A rim protect and large paint presence, that will be difficult to replace, especially against Antetokounmpo. Although the 7one 76ers had a ton of departures in Nicolas Batum, Mo Bamba, Buddy Hield. De'Anthony Melton, Cameron Payne, and Paul Reed, they added several key additions.
Aside from George, Philadelphia added much needed scoring in signing Caleb Martin. Reggie Jackson, and Eric Gordon. However, will the addition of Andre Drummond be enough to combat Antetokounmpo? Without Embiid, the 76ers have a thin front court, and for that single reason, I'm taking the Bucks money line today.
Bucks look to build chemistry in year two with Lillard
For the Bucks, Damian Lillard's first season as a member of the Bucks was tumultuous. With year two ahead, the Bucks will begin a new season under Doc Rivers. Amid mid season drama, the Bucks shockingly fired former head coach Adrian Griffin, after a 30-13 start. Replacing him as head coach, Rivers culminated a 17-19 record, in which Milwaukee was bounced out of the first round by the Pacers.
While the jury is still out on Rivers, the Bucks should have better chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Admitting that would take some time, is this the year we see more pick and rolls between the two stars? With Malik Beasley departing the Bucks for the Pistons, the Bucks lost a solid scorer.
However, with Lillard, Antetokounmpo, and Lopez all returning from last season, guard Gary Trent Jr was a solid pick up in free agency. Now in his 8th NBA season, Trent Jr has the ability to create a ton of offense aside from the two stars.
The Bucks Have Dominated The 76ers Since 2023
Similar to the 76ers, the Bucks remain without Khris Middleton, who suffered a knee injury in pre season. Poised to miss the season opener, the Bucks seemingly had a 18-9 record without the forward last season. Hampered with injuries his entire career, Middleton hasn't played a full season of basketball since 2019. After ankle injuries in the offseason, the Bucks could certainly use his scoring capabilities. However, I do believe this is a team that can win today without the forward.
Overall, the 76ers are strapped, and have limited depth behind George and Embiid. With Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond likely to get the starting nod, will that be enough to defeat the Bucks? Most likely not. Although the 76ers have plenty of guard depth behind Tyrese Maxey, the supporting rotation will be on thin ice tonight.
Bucks continue dominance over 76ers
If you're betting on the NBA today, this is a Bucks team that's won four straight vs Philadelphia dating back to April 2023. Although their record was atrocious on the road last season, Milwaukee does have a 4-1 record in Philly over the last 10 meetings. Top five in offense last season, the Bucks put up nearly 119 points per game. the Bucks were a heavy three-point shooting team who tends to get to the charity stripe quite often.
Out those 4 four victories, only one matchup was decided by one point. The Bucks held a +43 point differential over the other three matchups.
Final NBA Betting Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks Moneyline (-168 FanDuel)
A top ten rebounding team, they face a 76ers squad who struggled on the glass. Last season, the 76ers didn't wow bettors with their three-point shot. Averaging the 12th worst three-point shot attempts per game (33.3), Philadelphia will continue to rely on Maxey. However, there was a clear difference between these two teams on the offensive end. Ranking no. 6, the Bucks get the 76ers, who were ranked no. 14 in offensive rating over the 2023-2024 season.
In order to cash out on this bet, this Bucks must play better defense, considering they ranked in the bottom half last season. The 76ers were a solid defensive team that didn't turn the ball over much. I'll put my trust in the Antetokounmpo and Lillard duo in hopes Lillard will have a more efficient shooting season with the Bucks. Taurean Prince and Trent Jr. are very solid defensive guards. I'll gladly take the Bucks moneyline. If will be a tall task to replace Embiid and George on the offensive end.
NBA Spread Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers 2023-2024 NBA ATS Record: 38 - 42 - 2, 21-25-1 away
- Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 (-110 FanDuel)
My second best NBA bet of today, I placed one unit on the Cleveland Cavaliers to cover the -6.5 point spread vs the Toronto Raptors. Sure, the Cavaliers were bounced from Eastern Conference Semi-Finals after running into the Boston Celtics. However, this is a Cleveland team that finished 48-34 as the no.4. seed in the East. With a healthy Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, this Cavaliers team has the potential to make a deep run. Now, they get the Raptors, who are riddled with injuries.
Finishing as the fourth worst team in the East last season, the Raptors had a 25-57 record, and made several changes as the trade deadline. Unclear if this team is in full rebuild mode, they acquired RJ Barrett in the monumental trade that send OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. However, Barrett has been ruled out for today's matchup with a shoulder injury. On top of that, Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, both acquired mid season last year, are both listed as out. A key member of the Nuggets championship run just a few seasons ago, Brown has been ruled out indefinitely with a knee injury.
Why The Raptors Injuries Will Cost Them The Game
That means, without those three players, it's up to Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, Scottie Barnes, and Jokob Poeltl in the starting lineup. Coming off a career year, look for Barnes to lead the way today. Overall, the Raptors were one of the least efficient offensive teams in the NBA last season, putting up barely 112 points per game. In addition, the Raptors ranked no 26 in defensive rating. With more departures than additions, I don't see this Raptors team improving much from last season.
Finishing out the season 2-8, Toronto had the fourth worst point differential (-6.7) in the Eastern Conference, and lost a step on defense with the departure of Anunoby. While the Cavaliers are on the road tonight, this is one of my best bets of the day. While losing not one player, the Cavaliers resigned key players that include Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Tristan Thompson. Ready to make another go at an NBA championship with a similar roster, this is a team that's had forged chemistry for quite some time.
Final NBA Betting Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 (-110 FanDuel)
Overall, the Cavaliers had a 21-25-1 ATS record on the road last year. With a full healthy roster, the Cavaliers have a ton of depth at each position, and for that very reason, I'm laying the points with Cleveland tonight. With a 2-1-1 ATS record vs Toronto over the last three matchups, the Cavaliers last covered the -8.5 favorable spread on February 10. Having faced Toronto two times after they reconstructed their lineup, the Cavaliers didn't get them a chance last meeting. In a 119-95 blowout victory last February, the Cavaliers had an impressive eight players with points in double figures.
Raptors struggled last game despite Scottie Barnes' 24 points
Failing to put up 100 points, Scottie Barnes led the way with 24 points. Although the Raptors had solid offensive contributions about Barnes, you can't win games shooting 40 % from the floor, and 29 % from beyond the arc. Allowing the Cavaliers to dump 37 points in the second quarter, the Raptors defensive woes were on full display.
With the opening night of the 2024-2025 NBA season, these are two lopsided teams. One with full health and talent vs a young Raptors squad, who's banged up. I truly believe the spread should be much larger than 6.5 points. If you're betting on the NBA, lay the points with the Cavaliers tonight.
NBA Total Bet: Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons
- Over 235.5 (-110 FanDuel)
My third best bet of today, I placed on unit for the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons to total over 235.5 points for -110 FanDuel tonight. Although the Pacers lost Jalen Smith to the Bulls in free agency, the Pacers brought back a majority of their core that had an impressive playoff run last season. One series away from the NBA Finals, James Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin will all return in a Pacers uniform.
Pacers’ high-octane offense powered by Tyrese Haliburton
Led by All-Star and olympian Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers has the second most potent offense in the NBA. Second to the Boston Celtics, this is a Pacers team that averaged a league leading 123.3 points per game, and held the best field goal percentage in the NBA (50.7 %).
Averaging 92.7 shot attempts per game, this is a Pacers team that's entering the season with more experience, chemistry, and I see the offense only increasing from here. Especially Andrew Nembhard, who took a monumental leap in his second season.
The Pistons And Pacers Were The Worst Defensive Teams In The NBA Last Season
Now they get the Pistons, who finished with a franchise worst 14-68 record. Tying the longest losing streak in NBA history with 28 games, Detroit made several additions to improve their roster in the offseason. While resigning Cade Cunningham on a 5-year extensive was massive, the guard now finally has some help. Now, I'm not saying the Pistons are expected to be championship contenders. However, I do believe this is a very much improved team. Stealing Tobias Harris from the 76ers, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Wendell Moore Jr., and Paul Reed should surely add some spark to the offense.
In addition, Detroit head coach Monty Williams was replaced with J.B. Bickerstaff. So that in itself should generation a ton of offensive opportunities this year.
With the 11th worst offense in the NBA last year, the Pistons put up an abysmal 88 points per game. With that said, what makes this bet so strong is the fact both the Pacers and Pistons ranked 27th and 28th in points allowed. Two teams that sat in the basement in terms of defensive ratings, the Pacers allowed opponents to put up 120.2 points per game, while the Pistons allowed 119 points per game.
Final NBA Betting Prediction: Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons over 235.5 points (-110 FanDuel)
With a 42-40-0 record vs Totals last year, I made a ton of coin on betting on the overs when it came to the Pacers. With a 40-40-2 totals record, Detroit couldn't play a lick of defense for a bulk of the season. Although defense should improve on both sides, the over has hit 6 of the last 10 matchups between these two teams.
I do want to point out, the totals were much higher last season, averaging around 246-247. With 7 of their last 10 matchups soaring over 235.5 points, the Pacers averaged 129.5 points alone vs the Pistons last season. Overall, that's an incredibly high number.
As long as the Pacers keep up with their shooting percentages, Indiana can cover a bulk of the game themselves. While it's hard to determine how much the defense has improved on both sides, I'm taking the Pacers and Pistons to total over 235.5 as my best NBA bet today.
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