NBA Betting Preview: Opening Day
Last updated: Oct 16, 2018, 9:55AM | Published: Oct 16, 2018, 5:11AM
After months of waiting and some hectic offseason movement, the NBA has returned.
On the Opening Day slate, the Philadelphia 76ers head to Boston to take on the Celtics in a rematch of one of the most intriguing playoff matchups from last season, whilst the Champion Golden State Warriors host the Oklahoma City Thunder as they receive their 2018 title rings.
Philadelphia @ Boston
Two rivals meet once again as the Celtics host the Sixers to open the season. Keen to heal wounds from their 4-1 Playoff drubbing at the hands of the Celtics, the Sixers will be motivated to start the season strongly and put their post-season exit behind them.
With both teams angling to get off to a fast start, this game will have a Playoff-type atmosphere, so expect the TD Garden to be rocking.
Key Stat: this clash sees last season's 2nd (Boston) and 3rd (Philadelphia) best defenses going head-to-head, so there's a great chance this encounter turns into a defensive grind.
Play: Under 209.5 Points
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Oklahoma City @ Golden State
Two fierce Western Conference rivals go head-to-head in what will be an intense clash in Oakland, as the Warriors receive their 2018 Championship Rings. That won't be fun to watch for Russell Westbrook and co., as Kevin Durant receives his 2nd ring since leaving Oklahoma City.
The sting might be taken out of this clash though, with Andre Roberson already ruled out and Westbrook still a big unknown to play with his knee injury lingering into the start of the season.
Key Stat: Golden State's 3rd quarters last season were a thing of beauty. They blew teams away in the term, with a Net Rating of 17.4. The next closest? 7.9. Nobody came close to the Warriors in third quarters, so don't be surprised if this one blows out after half time.
Play: Golden State -12.5
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