The NBA is back with another jam-packed slate on Friday night, with a total of 12 matchups scheduled for today.
So, I've locked in picks for 7 of tonight's contests, including bets for Heat vs Grizzlies, Pistons vs Rockets, and Warriors vs Trail Blazers.
Let's get to my NBA predictions, odds and expert bets for Friday, October 24.
NBA Predictions, Odds, Picks, Expert Bets: Friday, October 24
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Celtics vs. Knicks
Boston played well in the opener and then just lost the rope at the end, with the Sixers getting two massive performances from VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
The Knicks didn’t look as good in the win over Cleveland as the score indicated; it was primarily the Cavs' offensive miscues that opened the door.
With Mitchell Robinson still out, the Celtics’ weakness in the frontcourt is mitigated, and I don’t trust the Knicks’ defense off that first game.
I make this spread Knicks -2.8, and this line has moved three points from open, showing sharp movement on Boston.
Pick: Celtics +5.5
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Raptors vs. Bucks
Raptors -1.5
I think the Raptors are good. Just a good team. They’re tough, they defend, they get out and run.
The Bucks will be without Kevin Porter Jr. in this game, and he’s their starting point guard.
Ryan Rollins can handle things, but there’s a good chance turnovers are a problem in a loud environment, and that fuels Toronto’s break.
I project this at Raptors -2.8.
RJ Barrett Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Barrett is getting a lot more touches than I thought he might with Brandon Ingram around.
That, combined with his playmaking and rebounding has me confident in his season.
He had 38 in the opener, and while I don’t think he’ll clear by that much, I do think this line is good up to 30.
Pick: Raptors -1.5, RJ Barrett Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
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Heat vs. Grizzlies
Davion Mitchell Over 17.5 Points + Assists
Mitchell rattled off 10 assists in the opener against a very good Magic defense, and Memphis is not as good as Orlando.
He’s consistent in his approach, and that was enough to convince me. He’s gone over this line in 14 of the last 18.
Grizzlies -2.5
Even with how banged up the Grizzlies are, I project this at Memphis -3.7.
They were able to piece together a big enough lineup to hold up against the Pelicans.
Kel’El Ware could have a big game, but Miami doesn’t scare you with size either.
Anything above one possession and I would be concerned, but I don’t feel like this is a letdown spot for Memphis, and the Heat, who I am high on, may be destined to start the season 0-2 with two tough losses.
Pick: Grizzlies -2.5, Davion Mitchell Over 17.5 Points + Assists
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Pistons vs. Rockets
This line is up five from the opener against a tougher OKC defense.
The matchup with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart isn’t ideal, but I’m banking on Sengun being a 38+ PRA guy per night, and until it hits that number, I’m willing to back it.
The market has adjusted some, but not enough.
Pick: Alperen Sengun Over 36.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
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Timberwolves vs. Lakers
Only a one-star bet for me, but I do make this Wolves -3.2.
The Lakers just looked lost in the opener.
Minnesota kind of stole that game against Portland, and this is another road game with LA Nightlife baked in, but ultimately, I think Minnesota wins and the margin is narrow enough.
If I think the Wolves are better than the Warriors, and I do, then this line needs to be higher than the close of Warriors-Lakers, which was the same number, Warriors -2.5.
Pick: Timberwolves -2.5
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Warriors vs. Trail Blazers
That’s right. The team whose coach was arrested by the FBI, and I’m backing them.
It’s got nothing to do with that; it could be a distraction or bring the team together in adversity —who knows?
But the Warriors are coming off an overtime late night win over the Nuggets, which was pretty intense and emotional, now on a back-to-back.
Teams on a back-to-back road game in their third game of the season are 82-97-4 ATS since 2003 via KillerSports.com.
Teams coming off overtime for a back-to-back in the first ten games of the season are 14-18 ATS.
This feels like just the right letdown spot for the Warriors against a pretty tough Blazers team that led the Wolves for the majority of the game in their opener.
Pick: Trail Blazers +1.5
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Jazz vs. Kings
The Jazz absolutely demolished the Clippers, and it was a great win for a team with low expectations this year.
That was their home opener, and now they’re on the road for the Kings' home-opener coming off a tough loss to the Suns.
Sacramento gets back Domantas Sabonis — most likely, upgraded to questionable — and this Jazz squad is a young team trying to get a road win after a blowout.
I make this line Kings -9.8 with Sabonis back, and think they win and cover against a Jazz team more talented than people realize, but still a rebuilding team.
Pick: Kings -5.5
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