It’s the start of the NBA season! We’ve got a doubleheader in the NBA on TNT to start things off. First, we’ll get the New York Knicks against the Boston Celtics. After that game, TNT will turn to the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Los Angeles Lakers.
We’ll cover the NBA all season long with our AI Model. The Model has a proven track record and dominated last season at the top-rated sportsbooks. Therefore, I’ve asked the AI Model to help pick tonight’s two games.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice. For this week, our expert analyzed these same games by providing some alternative betting angles!
NBA Picks
- Knicks/Celtics Under 225.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Timberwolves/Lakers Under 220 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at TD Garden
The AI Model believes the Knicks and Celtics will score just 221 points in tonight’s game. At Bet365, the Under is currently 225.5. Therefore, it looks like the best bet for this Knicks-Celtics game is the Under.
Life Without Porzingis
The Boston Celtics will start the season without their starting center, Kristaps Porzingis. He’s healing from an injury sustained in the playoffs last season and likely won’t return until December.
The Celtics didn’t change their roster much from last year. The starting lineup looks the same. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet will be the three major backups off the bench. The team has a lot of stardom in the starting lineup, but Boston does lack depth heading into the season.
Give The Knicks Some Time
Josh Hart admitted to the media that he was utterly off offensively. The Knicks are even considering bringing him off the bench due to his lack of offensive production.
It will also take some time for the Knicks to figure things out with a new group. Yes, Mikal Bridges has chemistry with Hart and Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns is easy to get along with.
But it doesn’t mean it’ll all translate on the court immediately. The Knicks don’t have Precious Achiuwa for a couple of weeks and won’t have Mitchell Robinson for even longer. They’re lacking at the forward position, and that could be a problem when Towns comes off the floor for some rest. Where will the Knicks get production from at the forward/center position? It won’t be Jericho Sims, for example.
The Pick
Most teams look weak to begin the season. Eventually, guys will step up and figure out their roles. But it’s the first game of the season. None of that has happened yet. Therefore, this game looks like it’ll go under the total of 225.5.
Thank the AI Model when it hits!
NBA Pick: Knicks/Celtics Under 225.5 (-110) at Bet365
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
Our AI Model believes the Lakers and Timberwolves will only accumulate 211 points in the second game. However, at Caesars Sportsbook, the total is currently 220 points. The AI Model calls for some rust in tonight’s games. I’ll trust it!
The Lakers Lack Depth
The Lakers are still led by an old LeBron James, followed by a bench with his invaluable son and many other pieces that are just not cutting it.
The Lakers lack depth, and it’s obvious. Look at the last game against the Warriors in preseason, when Los Angeles lost 132-74.
Los Angeles is already without Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood due to injuries. They also won’t have Christian Koloko. Therefore, the depth at the center position is very weak. They’ll rely on Jaxson Hayes, who has already been labeled as a bust after being drafted with the 8th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
When James can’t go 40+ minutes a night, the Lakers are toast.
Minnesota’s Defense Should Improve
With Karl-Anthony Towns out of the picture, Rudy Gobert’s defense should improve dramatically. Gobert is one of the best defensive players in the NBA’s history and will go up against a team that certainly lacks depth at the center spot. He’ll do a good job around the paint and help limit the Lakers to many points.
On the other hand, Julius Randle will start for the Timberwolves as power forward. Although he is a terrific athlete and will fit in well with the Timberwolves, it might take some time for them to get accustomed to each other. That’s how it was with the Knicks earlier in his career.
The Pick
The Timberwolves should win this game outright. However, the AI Model is calling for a nine-point difference between totals. Therefore, the Under is still the best play on the board. Grab the Under 220.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves/Lakers Under 220 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*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.
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