NBA Betting Odds, Trends for Wednesday, Oct. 28: Are the Philadelphia 76ers a legit contender?

The NBA returns on Wednesday with a 12-game slate featuring several early-season stories to keep an eye on.

LeBron James and the 76ers have clicked early, the Knicks have struggled to battle a championship hangover and the undefeated Thunder are dealing with significant injury issues.

Let’s break down five games with NBA betting tips for Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of NBA game odds, NBA futures and NBA specials and props.

76ers at Pacers

The addition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia already looks like a huge success with the Sixers winning three of their first four games.

It’s been a middling 2-2 start for Indiana, who have Tyrese Haliburton back after missing all of last season with an Achilles injury.

However, Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard are both listed as questionable on Wednesday, while Ivica Zubac is out.

The spread has already moved three points in Philly’s direction and with Haliburton and Nembhard’s statuses in question, I’ll take the 76ers before the line moves any further.

Best bet: 76ers -5.5

Magic at Raptors

There’s a lot of injury issues from both sides in this game. The big story is Kawhi Leonard (knee) missing at least the next week for Toronto, while Orlando will be without Paolo Banchero (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (knee).

Leonard’s absence means he Raptors will need to lean heavier on the trio of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immaneul Quickley. I particularly look at Quickley to step up in the playmaking role, considering he’s finished with six or more assists in two of three games this season.

Best bet: Immanuel Quickley Over 5.0 assists (-140)

Knicks at Bulls

The Knicks and Bulls have both started the year 1-3, but there’s obviously bigger disappointment revolving around defending champion New York.

Sttill, oddsmakers have the Knicks pegged as heavy favourites in this one. That’s because New York is returning the same core as last season (minus Mitchell Robinson), while Chicago is firmly in rebuilding mode.

I like the Knicks despite them playing in the second half of a back-to-back. Karl Anthony-Towns has been off to a scorching start, averaging 22.5 points per game while shooting 60.3 per cent from the field and 37.5 per cent from three.

I’ll take Towns to stay hot against a Bulls team that ranks dead last in the NBA in opponent points per game.

Best bet: Karl Anthony-Towns Over 22.5 points (-105)

Thunder at Mavericks

It’s a pretty big mismatch on paper as the undefeated Thunder take on the 2-2 Mavericks on Wednesday.

Despite a 4-0 start, it’s actually been a tough week for OKC. Jalen Williams (ankle/leg) and Carson Wallace (shoulder) are both out for months, if not all year, and Chet Holmgren (knee) is out for this game.

Dallas has been a bit of a back-and-forth team this year, but they certainly look better when Cooper Flagg is in the lineup. The 2025 first overall draft pick is averaging 25.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists through three games and the Mavericks are 2-1 when he plays.

Best bet: Cooper Flagg to record 35+ total points, rebounds and assists (-185)

Lakers at Clippers

The Lakers are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, so the fact they’re favoured by 4.5 points shows you how little oddsmakers think of the Clippers.

The depth between these two teams clearly favours the Purple and Gold, particularly with Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal both sidelined for the Clippers. However, I’ll give the Clips the benefit of the doubt that they can keep this close against a tired Lakers squad.

Best bet: Clippers +4.5