NBA Preseason Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (10/7)
The 2024-25 NBA regular season is nearly here. What better way to get ready for the NBA regular season than to start your sports betting during the NBA preseason? That’s right, you can bet on the NBA preseason! Sure, there will be more opportunities to bet on the NBA regular season, but check out the new names and faces of the 2024-25 NBA season and help keep things interesting by placing some bets on the NBA preseason. We’ll guide you through the NBA preseason with picks and predictions for each and every game. Let’s dive into our top NBA preseason picks and predictions for today’s games!
NBA Preseason Odds, Picks & Predictions
Check out our top NBA preseason picks and predictions for today’s games.
Magic vs. Pelicans
It's already been reported that the New Orleans Pelicans will play their starters for a maximum of 20 minutes against the Magic. That said, head coach Willie Green didn't commit to a starting lineup yet. In addition, Trey Murphy is already out with a hamstring injury and won't be playing in the preseason. However, they'll have Dejounte Murray, who was acquired in the offseason. He and McCollum could be dangerous together for teams, especially with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson healthy and active. Meanwhile, the Magic have a new impact face in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He was already a teammate of Moe Wagner with the Lakers, so he's familiar with at least one teammate. Ultimately, a lineup combo of Jalen Suggs, KCP, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero will likely start the game for the Magic. Orlando is probably deeper heading into the preseason, so I'll back the Magic at +2.5 (-120).
Pick: Magic +2.5
-Jason Radowitz
New Zealand Breakers vs. 76ers
The 76ers will open up preseason with a game against the New Zealand Breakers. The Breakers already played the Utah Jazz earlier this preseason and lost 116-87. The team was led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who scored 16 points and added nine assists in 22 minutes. That said, the team still played 17 different players against Utah. Players were given at most 25 minutes in the game. Meanwhile, the 76ers have a lot of new faces. It could take time for this group to gel. This new group includes Paul George, Caleb Martin, rookie Jared McCain, and Eric Gordon. Therefore, I'll fade the 76ers and back the Breakers at +35. It's unlikely the top guns play a lot of minutes for the 76ers in the first preseason game.
Pick: Breakers +35
-Jason Radowitz
Thunder vs. Spurs
Both San Antonio and Oklahoma City will get their preseason started Monday night in San Antonio. The Spurs, who added Chris Paul in the offseason, aren’t expected to play either Paul or Victor Wembanyama. Additionally, they’ll be without other key contributors. Oklahoma City will be without the services of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. Budding stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams should get some run in this game, although ultimately how much remains to be seen. With much of the starting lineups out for both teams it comes down to depth and Oklahoma City is the deeper team. With a young roster that gained crucial postseason experience last year they’ll be ready to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. I’ll be backing the road favorites in this one.
Pick: Thunder -4
-Ryan Rodeman
Grizzlies vs. Mavericks
The Mavericks already received unfortunate news. Dante Exum suffered a serious wrist injury at the beginning of training camp that could require surgery. Quentin Grimes will likely take his role, which should at least help Dallas forget about Exum's absence. However, the Mavericks have also ruled out Luka Doncic for this game due to a calf injury. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday and has experienced tightness after the first training camp practice. On the other hand, Jaren Jackson Jr. was also injured in the team's first preseason practice. He's unable to play in this game with a hamstring injury, but at least the rest of the team seems healthy and ready to go. Let's take the Grizzlies at -2.5 (-110).
Pick: Grizzlies -2.5
-Jason Radowitz
Rockets vs. Jazz
After a 116-87 win over the New Zealand Breakers, the Jazz will take on the Houston Rockets. In that win, the Jazz had six players in double figures, including Johnny Juzang, who added 19 points off the bench. Utah played its starters at most 25 minutes and gave 13 players at least 10 minutes of game action. Utah is deep. The Jazz seriously have depth with Kyle Filipowski, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson off the bench. Yet, the starting lineup just doesn't compare to other teams. The Rockets will likely roll with last year's starting five, as Ime Udoka wants some continuity with his team this year. Alpren Sengun and Jalen Green were caught spending lots of time together on and off the court. If those two can gel, the Rockets will improve significantly from last year. Give me the Rockets at -4.5 (-105).
Pick: Rockets -4.5
-Jason Radowitz