Chicago Bulls (0-0) at Miami Heat (0-0)
The Bulls will start their new season with a tough challenge against the Heat in Miami. But if they're looking to improve on their #6 seed finish in the East last season, these are the kind of games they need to win. At point guard, Lonzo Ball is still out with injury so Ayo Dosunmu will get the start. Meanwhile, LaVine and Caruso are both questionable but should play.
The Heat lost to the Celtics in a brutal 7 game conference series last season but have kept most of their core together. Butler returns as the key playmaker on offence alongside Adebayo. Lowry had an injury-riddled 21/22 season so he'll be looking to bounce back. Herro signed a lengthy contract in the offseason and Caleb Martin will likely get the start at SF. They will be missing Oladipo to injury so Vincent/Robinson should get more playing time.
Winning on the road in Miami isn't easy and that should see the Heat win cover in this one. They've covered in all of the last 4 meetings and hold a 9-4 ATS record on their home court.
Stadium Record
Miami are 10-3 in their last 13 games at home. Chicago has lost 4 of their last 5 in Miami.
Head to Head Record
The Heat have dominated the Bulls with 8 wins in the last 10.
Best Bet
New Orleans Pelicans (0-0) at Brooklyn Nets (0-0)
There's some optimism about the Pelicans this season. They're coming off an 8th-seed finish in the West and they gave the Suns a bit of a scare by winning 2 games in the 4-2 series defeat. They now have the face of the franchise Zion Williamson back on the court after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Alongside McCollum and Ingram, the Pelicans could be darkhorse in the West if they can keep injury free.
The Nets had another interesting offseason after they were easily swept by the Celtics in the first round of last year's playoffs. Kevin Durant demanded a trade but ultimately, no team could match what they wanted so he's back to form a big three with Irving/Simmons. Ben Simmons made his return from a back injury in the preseason and Iriving is back despite rumours of a trade to the Lakers. In this clash, they will be missing Harris and Curry, so the offence will continue to run through Durant and Irving.
It's likely there won't be much defence with these two sides and a high-scoring affair looks to be the trend. The Over has saluted in 4 of the last 5 meetings in Brooklyn and overall, it's 23-5 when these two sides meet.
Stadium Record
Brooklyn has won 4 of their last 6 at home. New Orleans are just 1-4 in their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Nets won both meetings last season and hold a 7-3 record in the last 10.
Best Bet
Dallas Mavericks (0-0) at Phoenix Suns (0-0)
The Mavs begin the new season in Phoenix and will be searching for another upset over the Suns. Dallas beat the Suns in a memorable 7 game playoff series last season. That included a 123-90 crushing win in Game 7 at this venue. Luka Doncic is back to lead the Mavs offence and he'll be even more valuable with Brunson now in New York. They picked up Christian Wood from the Rockets and he'll help their frontcourt depth. Tim Hardaway will get the first crack at Brunson's old position and Dinwiddie will come off the bench.
The Suns were knocked out by the Mavs in last year's playoffs so they'll be keen for a revenge win in the first game of the season. They haven't made any wholesale changes to their squad so they continue to push for the #1 seed in the West. The Paul / Booker combination is back for another season. They also kept Ayton despite rumours of his exit after a poor display in their Game 7 defeat against the Mavs. They do have a few issues with Jae Crowder as he wants to be traded and won't play in this clash.
Doncic averaged 32.6 points per game in the playoff series against the Suns last season and hit the 30+ points mark in 4 of 7. While this isn't a playoff game, the fact that Brunson is no longer on the court should see Doncic get an even bigger usage boost.
Stadium Record
Phoenix has won 4 of their last 5 at home. Dallas holds a poor 1-8 record in Phoenix.
Head to Head Record
Dallas beat the Suns in last year's playoff series 4-3.
Best Bet
