2023 NBA Oct 25 Betting Predictions
The NBA season returns on Wednesday and we have two marquee matchups in the West. The Lakers will look for some revenge against the defending champs in Denver. Meanwhile, Chris Paul didn't have to wait long until facing his former side as the Warriors host the Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers (0-0) at Denver Nuggets (0-0)
The Lakers turned around their season after the All-Star break last season and will be hoping that momentum can continue into this season. While they lost against the Nuggets in the playoffs, they did overcome the Grizzlies and Warriors in back-to-back series, both 4-2 victories. For the Lakers success this season, it's going to be about Davis staying on the court. With LeBron nearing the end of his career, Davis is the main key to their success and getting back to the top of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, they've added some experience with Christian Wood, Prince and Gabe Vincent, which should help their bench depth if injuries strike.
The Nuggets come into the new season as the defending champs for the first time in franchise history after a 4-1 NBA finals victory over the Heat. Nikola Jokic easily won the MVP award after a dominant display where he averaged 30.2 pts, 14.0 rebs and 7.2 asts. In the offseason, the Nuggets haven't changed much as they have proven themselves now when it matters so they will go into the new season with a similar lineup. Murray is back at PG and Caldwell-Pope will start at SG. Porter Jr. has had his injury concerns but hopefully he can keep fit this season. Meanwhile, veteran Aaron Gordon is back for another season.
I can see Denver wanting to start the season on a high note and they just have the wood over the Lakers. Overall, they're 6-1 when they meet at this venue and Denver has only lost once in their last 13 home games.
Stadium Record
Denver have won 10 straight games on their home court. Los Angeles has lost 6 of their last 7 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets are 5-0 against the Lakers.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
Denver Nuggets -4.5, Player rebounds - Nikola Jokic 10+, Player points - Nikola Jokic 25+ = $3.10
Phoenix Suns (0-0) at Golden State Warriors (0-0)
The Suns had a busy offseason after losing to the Nuggets 4-2 in the conference semi-finals last season. They've added the talented Bradley Beal from the Wizards and he'll replace Chris Paul at PG. Along with Durant, Booker and Beal, the Suns have an excellent big three on paper. So it's a matter of getting the chemistry right on the court, which may take some time in the early stages of the season. At centre, Ayton has been traded and they've added Nurkic from the Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Goodwin, Allen and Bates-Diop have all been added to boost their bench.
The Warriors enter another NBA season as one of the top favourites for the championship and the first game of the season will have a lot of intrigue. Mainly because Chris Paul will line up against his former side after a few seasons at the Suns. With the addition of Paul, Curry will move to SG and Klay Thompson will start at SF. Wiggins and Draymond Green are also back but they traded Jordon Poole in the offseason. So the likes of Kuminga and Moody will be looking to solidify the 6th man position.
This should be a great matchup but the Warriors home trend against the Suns is hard to back against. They're 18-4 against the Suns in the last 22 and 16-3 overall in their last 19 on home court.
Stadium Record
Golden State are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Phoenix has lost 18 of 22 on the road against the Warriors.
Head to Head Record
Since 2021, the Suns are 6-4 against the Warriors.
Best Bet
Golden State Warriors -1.5 = $1.94
Same Game Multi
Golden State Warriors -1.5, Player points - Steph Curry 25+, Player assists - Chris Paul 8+ = $4.00
