We’ve got a massive 10-game slate in the NBA tonight. All 20 teams playing will be playing their first game of the season. While we don’t have analytics or stats to back up this season’s predictions, our computers have looked at last year’s stats and found some really valuable spots for tonight’s slate.
Per our AI Model, here are three best bets for tonight’s basketball games, with the best NBA odds we could find at top sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- Grizzlies-Jazz Under 228.5 (-110)
- Clippers +5 (-110)
- Warriors -5.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Delta Center
Our AI Model believes Memphis and Utah will combine for only 219 points tonight. However, Bet365 currently has a total sitting at 228.5. That’s nearly a 10-point difference. Therefore, you’ll want to consider the Under for tonight’s Western Conference showdown.
Can Memphis Become NBA Contender Again?
A couple of seasons ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were unstoppable. The team added win after win and did it with unselfish basketball.
However, last season, the Grizzlies had the most injuries in the NBA and a bunch of drama surrounding the team. Ultimately, Memphis fell flat on its face.
But it’s a new year this season… right?
Not!
Jaren Jackson Jr., the one consistent contributor last year, will start the season injured and will be unavailable to start the season. That won’t help offensively at all.
Minimal Roster Changes
The Utah Jazz really didn’t make any changes to this year’s team. They’ll still ride with regulars like Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler. We’ll also see some John Collins with Jordan Clarkson off the bench. The major addition was ultimately veteran guard Patty Mills and worthless center, Drew Eubanks. Neither will help the team do much this season.
Utah won 37 games last year and finished their last ten games of the season 2-8. Yet, they didn’t improve much at all.
NBA Computer Pick
Where is the offense coming from in this game? It’s hard to find it. Let’s take the Under 228.5 per the AI Model.
NBA Pick: Under 228.5 (-110) at Bet365
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Intuit Dome
Our AI Model thinks the Los Angeles Clippers will only lose by two points to the Suns, 109-107. However, the Clippers are five-point underdogs at home. Clearly, the Clippers have some value tonight playing in their new stadium, the Intuit Dome.
Clippers Will Start Season Without Kawhi
The Clippers have already announced Kawhi Leonard will miss the start of the season. There’s no timetable for his return as he currently has inflammation in his right knee.
Los Angeles no longer has a star-studded roster. James Harden is the lead man, but Paul George isn’t there anymore. They’ll have Harden with Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac.
However, when Harden is in full control, he’s at his best. He makes everyone around him better. That could happen this season with Harden playing on the ball and as the star.
Phoenix Lacks Depth
The Phoenix Suns have an insane starting lineup. But the depth on the bench is still concerning. After all, the Suns will have guys like Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen getting lots of minutes.
I’d also like to see the Suns play together. The three top players, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, haven’t played much together and weren’t even all that good when they did.
There’s way too much hype surrounding the Suns right now.
NBA Computer Pick
Let’s buy the Clippers at +5 in their home arena. The fans should be stoked and help the Clippers stay in this game.
NBA Pick: Clippers +5 (-110) at Bet365
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
Our last AI Model prediction is for the Golden State-Portland game. Our AI Model believes the Warriors will earn a 115-109 win over the Trail Blazers on the road. As 5.5-point favorites, the value slightly favors the Warriors. Think about grabbing the Warriors at -5.5.
Warriors Without Klay Thompson
It’s a new era in Golden State. The Warriors no longer have Klay Thompson, who moved on to the Mavericks after the Warriors didn’t re-sign him.
Now, Golden State will rely on second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield as the primary shooting guards.
The Warriors have a lot of potential and got much younger. The bench was also more intentional and fit the group well. Hield should take a lot of threes as Thompson did and become a significant threat off the bench.
Another Bad Season For Portland Incoming
The Portland Trail Blazers drafted Scoot Henderson last season and expected him to be the franchise piece. Instead, it’s year two, and he’s coming off the bench. So there’s that.
The Blazers are going to start Toumani Camara instead of Henderson. The bench, with Henderson, also has young players like Jabari Walker and Donovan Clingan. But it feels like players are struggling to develop their talents in Portland.
NBA Computer Pick
I’ll back Steph Curry and the Warriors in tonight’s Western Conference matchup. I’m with the AI Model here.
NBA Pick: Warriors -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
