NBA Betting Preview: Day 3
Last updated: Oct 18, 2018, 10:54PM | Published: Oct 18, 2018, 5:00AM
The NBA Season is into its third day after a huge 11 game slate saw off the second night, and three games take centre stage as the final teams to play their openers get underway.
Today's betting preview will follow all three clashes, as Philadelphia looks to get back on track against Chicago, Miami backs up from yesterday to take on Washington, whilst LeBron James makes his official Lakers debut as they take on Portland at the Moda Center.
Chicago @ Philadelphia
Chicago's exciting new and youthful core heads to Philly the might of Philadelphia, as the Sixers look to bounce back from a tough opening night loss to the Celtics. Philadelphia struggled against Boston's depth, as the absences of Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala were felt dearly against the Celtics second unit.
The Bulls will be missing Lauri Markannen who is out for the next month, and the Bulls will struggle defensively (even more so than usual) by the matchups Philadelphia possess. Chicago, like most teams, has no answer for Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
Key Factor: the Bulls defense stinks, and is only going to get worse with the addition of Jabari Parker. Chicago conceded an abhorrent 110.4 points per possession last season, 28th in the NBA. Simmons and Embiid will feast on them.
Play: Philadelphia -11
Miami @ Washington
The Heat have less than a 24 hour around from their loss to the Orlando Magic, as they head to Washington to take on the Wizards. Wayne Ellington and Justise Winslow are likely out, with James Johnson questionable with an illness.
Dwight Howard will not be there but Austin Rivers will debut for the Wizards, who have a lot to prove this season under Scott Brooks. When healthy the Wizards are a tough opponent, but they were not a reliable team last season and disappointingly finished 8th in the East.
Key Factor: in this case, it's health and recovery. The Heat are shorthanded, are on a back to back and are coming off an opening night loss to the Orlando Magic. The Wizards are rested and mostly healthy, and have no excuse not to win this one with the Heat's key injuries.
Play: Washington -4.5
Los Angeles @ Portland
The LeBron James-Los Angeles Lakers experience tips off in Portland, as the Blazers look to bury the scars of a painful first round Playoff exit behind them as soon as possible. LeBron will try to rally his band of young players and misfits into a Playoff worthy team, and it's expected that it'll take a little while for them to work it all out.
All of last season's Lakers statistics go out the window with LeBron now aboard, but the Blazers were a tough team to beat at home and the Moda Center is an intimidating place to play. Portland will fancy themselves to knock off Los Angeles in this one.
Key Factor: the showman in LeBron James cannot be ignored. Whilst the Blazers at home are nothing to be underestimated, the best player in the world shouldn't be either. Expect the King to put on a show on his debut.
Play: Los Angeles +3.5
Season Record: 2-3
