NBA IS BACK - Opening Night Preview, Picks, & Predictions

This Tuesday, we kick off the start of the 2024-2025 NBA season with two killer matchups. The defending champions will flex their rings in Boston when they host the New York Knicks at 7:30pm E.T. Following that, Lebron and Bronny will take on Edwards and the Timberwolves in LA at 10:00pm E.T.

⏰ 7:30PM ET - Knicks vs. Celtics

The Celtics are heavy favourites with moneyline odds of 1.42 (-238) for and 2.90 (+190) against on SX Bet. The spread is set at Celtics -5.5 and Knicks +5.5 at 1.86 (-116) on each side. The total has been placed at over/under 221.5 with odds of 1.76 (-132) and 2.04 (+104) respectively.

Preview

The Celtics dominated, finishing the regular season with a 64-18 record to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They continued their success in the playoffs, going 16-3 and clinching their first Larry O'Brien Championship trophy with a total of 82 wins. 

With their core roster intact, Boston is favored to defend their title this season, a challenge last accomplished in 1969 and most recently achieved by the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Entering the 2024-25 season, the Celtics are coming off a strong preseason, finishing with a 4-1 record and averaging 121.8 points per game, second only to the Indiana Pacers (124.0).

The New York Knicks are heading into the new season eager to build on a largely successful 2023-24 campaign, finishing just behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered their playoff run, ending their pursuit of a third championship in the Eastern Conference quarter-finals after a promising start. Led by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks overcame the Philadelphia 76ers with a 4-2 victory, but faced a heartbreaking defeat against the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling six-game series.

Similar to the Celtics, the Knicks wrapped up the preseason with a 4-1 record, their only loss occurring in the final exhibition game on Saturday, where they fell 118-117 to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

Prediction

Expect the Knicks to come out hard showcasing their top-tier talent and covering the spread in a low-scoring game.

🔒Spread: Knicks +5.5

🔒Total: Under 221.5

⏰ 10:00PM ET - Timberwolves vs. Lakers

The Timberwolves are slight favourites with moneyline odds of 1.83 (-120) for and 1.90 (-111) against on SX Bet. The spread is set at Timberwolves -1.5 with odds of 1.96 (-104) and Lakers +1.5 at 1.88 (-114) odds. The total has been placed at over/under 219.0 with odds of 1.92 (-109) and 1.96 (-104) respectively.

Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their preseason preparations with a 132-74 loss to the Golden State Warriors in their final exhibition game at Chase Center on Saturday.

Despite a rollercoaster preseason with four losses and two wins in six games, Redick is now gearing up for his first regular-season challenge. The Lakers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves is set to be a tough test, especially considering they've lost four of their last five encounters with the Timberwolves, including a preseason matchup two weeks ago.

As LeBron James approaches what could be one of his final years in the league, the 39-year-old is aiming for a fifth championship ring, which would put him ahead of active players like Steph Curry and Draymond Green in total titles won.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have now lost their last three games leading up to Tuesday’s action. Similar to the Lakers, the Timberwolves chose to rest their starting five in this game, giving exciting draft pick Rob Dillingham a rare start. He impressed with 15 points (3-of-6 from three-point range) and seven assists, offering a glimpse of his potential.

Following an unexpected run to the conference finals, the Timberwolves have established themselves as serious contenders in the West and are aiming for another deep playoff run. As they kick off the new season with back-to-back road games, the Timberwolves are eager to set the tone.

Prediction

Expect Lebron and the Lakers to come out firing to prove they are not a team to count out this season.

🔒Spread: Lakers +1.5

🔒Total: Over 219.0