NBA Betting Odds, Trends for Friday, Oct. 23: Knicks and Celtics highlight schedule
It’s a stacked slate of games in the NBA on Friday.
The highlight of the night is clearly the Knicks visiting the Celtics, but there’s no shortage of other potentially profitable matchups.
Let’s break down a few games with NBA betting tips for Friday, Oct. 23.
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Knicks at Celtics
This is an interesting spot for the Knicks and Celtics as both teams dropped their season-openers. New York came out flat after raising their championship banner, registering just 100 points against the 76ers. Boston was even more disappointing after blowing a 22-point lead against Detroit.
Take the points with the Knicks in this game. They took three of four meetings against the Celtics last last season and I see this as a close game between two Eastern Conference powerhouses looking for some early-season momentum.
Best bet: Knicks +2.5
Raptors at Wizards
The Raptors and Wizards each put on a shooting clinic in their respective season-opening wins on Wednesday. Toronto dropped 135 points against the Bulls and Washington put up 128 against Milwaukee.
I’m expecting more of the same on Friday. Remember, these teams finished with a combined total of at least 250 points in all three head-to-heads last season.
Best bet: Game total Over 236.5 points
Pistons at Heat
The Giannis Antetokounmpo-era in Miami started how most experts predicted it would go this season. The Greek Freak had a monster 35-point performance despite the Heat suffering a 131-106 blowout loss against Minnesota.
Detroit looked solid in their comeback win over Boston on opening night. The Pistons had three players each record 20+ points, but they also allowed Celtics newcomer Paul George to go off for a game-high 38.
Until Miami can get some support around Antetokounmpo, the game plan will be centred on him dropping buckets.
Best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo 30+ points (+115)
Rockets at Spurs
It wasn’t the season-opener San Antonio wanted as they came up short against OKC in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final. Houston, however, cruised in their season-opener, beating Dallas by 18 points.
The Spurs are dealing with some injury issues right now as De’Aaron Fox (wrist) and Keldon Johnson (mouth laceration) are both listed as questionable, while Tobias Harris (calf strain) is out. That has significantly dropped the line from San Antonio -9.5 to -4.5.
Fox, in particular, is a huge loss if he doesn’t play. I’ll take Houston in a minor upset.
Best bet: Rockets moneyline (+165)
Clippers at Lakers
Both L.A. teams opened the season with emphatic wins as the Lakers downed Golden State 127-105 and the Clippers rolled over Sacramento 121-96.
Oddsmakers are giving a lot of credit to the duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, with the Lakers entering Friday as 9.5-point favourites. However, that’s actually a drop from the opening line of -12.5.
That’s a great number for me because I think the Lake Show take this game by double digits. Keep in mind, the Clippers are down multiple rotational pieces, including Brandon Ingram (heel), Max Strus (foot) and Bradley Beal (knee).
Best bet: Lakers -9.5