NBA Preseason Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (10/16)
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.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Detroit returns from a West Coast trip to take on the Cavaliers in what will be the final tune-up for the Pistons before the regular season commences next week. They host a Cleveland team that has yet to win a single preseason game. However it’s been six days since their last contest, one in which a majority of the starters didn’t play. There’s a good chance we see the starters get some run for Cleveland on Wednesday. For Detroit, their starters logged big minutes on the mini road trip and with this being the last game before the regular season it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they got a little rest. The numbers seem to indicate that may be the case too. With so much uncertainty in the lineup it’s hard to focus on a side here. Instead I’m looking at a total. This will be Detroit HC JB Bickerstaff’s first game against the Cavaliers since he was let go by the franchise. There is some extra motivation here for him but it will likely bear out with him trying to establish the style he wants his team to play with. This means tough defense. Detroit has gone to the under in each game they’ve played this preseason and yet this total is still sitting in the 220s. Both they and Cleveland are defensive-minded teams, and with the added motivation on the Detroit bench, this could turn into a real defensive battle.
Pick: Under 224.5 (-110)
-Ryan Rodeman
Nets vs. 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are without Paul George and Joel Embiid to close out the preseason. But the 76ers still added a 104-89 win over the Atlanta Hawks, thanks to some really good defense. The 76ers only allowed one Hawks player to score more than ten points in the game, and it was the first overall selection, Zaccharie Risacher. Even Trae Young played 27 minutes and scored only ten points. On the other hand, the Nets dropped 131 points on Washington last time out. But Washington will be the worst team in the NBA this year. Ultimately, we know Ben Simmons will fold against Philadelphia, and the Nets really don't have much bench depth. I'll take the 76ers at +4.5 (-125) at home.
Pick: 76ers +4.5 (-125)
-Jason Radowitz
Timberwolves vs. Bulls
It's a miracle! Lonzo Ball is expected to play for the Bulls after missing more than two NBA seasons. Don't expect many minutes or much production. But this is a wild development. Sometimes, some doctors didn't expect him to play again. That said, the Bulls will need a healthy Ball. After all, Chicago has lost two consecutive games to Memphis and Milwaukee. The Bulls didn't play any starters against the Bucks and still almost beat them. The Bulls have some real talent on the roster. While there's lots of hype around Ball, Julius Randle is expected to make his Timberwolves debut tonight. Randle should fit in nicely. He's already logged playing time with Donte DiVincenzo, and Anthony Edwards is likely one of the best teammates to play with. I'm taking the Over 228.5 (-115) in this one.
Pick: Over 228.5 (-115)
-Jason Radowitz
Ratiopharm Ulm vs. Trail Blazers
Ratiopharm Ulm will play the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. This is the first time a Bundesliga team will play a friendly game at the home court of an NBA team. Ratiopharm Ulm is already 3-0 in the Bundesliga with a differential of 14 points. Ultimately, the team hasn't scored at a super high rate, but the defense has allowed just 224 points in three games to begin the year. Ratiopharm Ulm is in season and playing very well defensively to start the season. On the other hand, Portland is dealing with multiple injuries and likely won't play Anfernee Simons and other projected starters. I'll back the Under 205 (-110).
Pick: Under 205 (-110)
-Jason Radowitz