NBA Betting Preview: Day 6
Last updated: Oct 22, 2018, 9:46AM | Published: Oct 22, 2018, 9:46AM
The NBA season has almost finished its first week, and it's been a wild and high-scoring start to the season, with teams regularly dropping 120-plus points. Currently, ten teams are conceding 120ppg, compared to two this time last season.
Nine games are on today's slate, with value to be found right across the night's action. On today's Betting Preview, we'll be turning our attention to Orlando's visit to Boston, Charlotte's trip to Toronto and the clash between Portland and Washington at the Moda Center.
Orlando @ Boston
Orlando will try to bounce back from a thumping at the hands of Charlotte as they head to Boston to take on the Celtics who bounced back from their own defeat to Toronto with a win in New York against the Knicks.
Despite their depth and firepower, it's going to take some time for Boston to figure everything out. They have a lot of moving pieces and Brad Stevens is still working out how to make them all fit. The Magic have their own teething problems trying to maximize their athleticism to make up for their lack of shooting.
Key Stats & Trends: Boston's Offensive Rating through 3 games is a mere 100.7 points per 100 possessions, 29th in the NBA. Their defense is much better, rating in at 97.7 (2nd). The Magic's Offensive Rating is just one spot ahead of Boston in 28th (101.0), and their defense is middle of the pack (110.5, 15th).
Both teams are 1-2 against the Over/Under this season, and considering both teams offensive output so far that is no surprise.
Key Play: Under 212.5 Points
Charlotte @ Toronto
James Borrego's Hornets head North to take on the Raptors, as Kawhi Leonard returns to the lineup after missing Toronto's win over the Wizards. Kyle Lowry took over proceedings and dominated, and his head to head battle with Kemba Walker will be key to the result here.
Charlotte's offense has looked good through three games, and their defense hasn't missed a beat despite letting Dwight Howard go this past offseason. The Raptors insane depth was on show against Washington, and will make life very tough for the Hornets.
Key Stats & Trends: the Hornets have jumped out to start the season, and are 3-0 ATS so far. The Raptors are 1-1 ATS at home. Kemba Walker remains the heartbeat of his team, dropping 35.3 points (48.7% shooting, 50.0% from 3) and 5.3 assists through the opening three games.
The Raptors are rightful favourites here, but trust the Hornets to make it a contest.
Key Play: Charlotte +9.5
Washington @ Portland
A winless Washington is hosted by a 2-0 Portland Trail Blazers, who have started the season with two impressive wins over the Lakers and Spurs. The Blazers have their doubters due to last season's Playoff exit via sweep, but look motivated to quieten their detractors.
The main focus of this game has to be the battle of the backcourts - Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum vs John Wall and Bradley Beal. Dwight Howard is doubtful to play after not travelling with the team, meaning Jusuf Nurkic may feast on an undermanned Wizards frontcourt.
Key Stats & Trends: both teams have started the season 2-0 on Over/Unders, and are 10th and 11th in pace so far this season. This should be a free-flowing affair where teams get out and run in transition, which should create a lot of open shots, and hopefully, baskets.
Key Play: Over 226 Points
Season Record: 3-4
