Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors (ESPN)
In a battle between the two sides that are expected to top the Eastern Conference at season’s end, this match-up could be vital in determining home court advantage in a potential playoff series between the two teams.
Both sides kick started their seasons with a win in their opening fixtures, with Boston defeating fellow Eastern Conference contenders Philadelphia in the first game of the NBA calendar.
Toronto won their sixth-straight season opener courtesy of new addition Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes as they defeated Cleveland 116-104.
Kyle Lowry top scored with 27 and added eight assists, as both sides take winning form into this clash.
The Raptors at home last season went 34-7, and no side in the NBA had a better home record than that.
Boston however were the third best team in the league on the road (28-13), but we’ve got to give this one to the Raptors at home.
Tip: Toronto -2.5 @ $1.89
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz (ESPN)
Utah will host the reigning champions on Saturday, after both sides managed to start their seasons off with wins.
The Warriors pulled away from the Thunder late to record a 108-100 victory on the opening day, with Steph Curry (32 points, nine assists, eight rebounds) and Kevin Durant (27 points, eight rebounds, six assists) leading the way.
The Jazz began their season with a 123-117 win over the Kings, as Australians Joe Ingles and Dante Exum impressed in their season debuts.
Ingles was 4-6 from deep and finished with 22 points, six assists and four steals, while Exum led the bench unit with Jae Crowder and Alec Burks, as the trio all had 13 points off the bench.
Utah will be hoping to inflict an early defeat on the Warriors, but on a game-by-game basis, it’s hard to find a match-up where Golden State aren’t favourites.
Tip: Golden State -3.5 @ $1.98
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Clippers
Both sides dropped their opening fixtures of the season, as the Thunder fought gallantly but couldn’t defeat the Warriors on opening night.
They were without star guard Russell Westbrook, and he looks set to miss this clash with the Clippers as well.
Paul George led the way with 27 points while Dennis Schroder chimed in with 21.
For the Clippers, they fell to Denver 107-98 at home, although they’ll have been buoyed by the performance of big man Boban Marjanovic off the bench, who recorded 18 points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
While Westbrook is sidelined, the Thunder will be hoping to plug the holes and get as many wins as they can, and they should be able to get past the Clippers here.
Tip: Oklahoma City @ $2.04
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