We’re now into the second week of what has been an exciting start to the NBA season. Here, we take a look at the upcoming nine-game slate on Tuesday and bring you all our best bets.
NBA Betting Tips: Tuesday, 26th of October
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors
Scotiabank Arena, 10:30am AEDT
It’s been a dream start to the season for the new look Chicago Bulls who are undefeated through their first three games. Admittedly, they haven’t faced any top-end teams yet, but you can only beat who’s in front you and they’ve done exactly that. Lonzo Ball has looked good in his new colours and had an historic 17-point triple-double against the Pistons two starts back.
Toronto have had a mixed start to the season with a big win against the Celtics being overshadowed by two disappointing losses. Most recently the Raptors went down by eight points against the Mavericks despite leading by six points at the main break. High draft pick Scottie Barnes has been impressive in his first three games as a pro, including a 25-point, 13-rebound performance against the Celtics
Both of these clubs have gone through big roster turnover over the last couple of seasons, but it’s clear that the Bulls are currently the more advanced in their development. They’re yet to put a foot wrong this season and look like great value to secure their fourth win in a row. Jump on them to cover the small spread in what is our favourite bet of the slate.
New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves
Target Center, 10:30am AEDT
New Orleans have endured a tough start to the season and are now one of just four teams who are yet to win a game. Off-season surgery to star forward Zion Williamson has kept him on the sidelines for the start of the season and he’s not expected to return for at least a couple more weeks.
Minnesota have finally gotten healthy and have looked a determined outfit to start the season. They demolished the youthful Rockets in their season opener and backed that up with a fairly comfortable win against the Pelicans where they led from wire to wire. Now at 2-0 the Timberwolves have given themselves a great platform to launch into the rest of the season.
The Timberwolves will host the Pelicans for the second time in three days when they meet at the Target Center on Tuesday. While coaches from both teams will be sure to make some adjustments ahead of their second meeting, we don’t expect it to change the outcome a whole lot. We have the Timberwolves covering the spread once again against the Williamson-less Pelicans.
Minnesota Timberwolves -5.5
$1.90
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers
Staples Center, 1:30pm AEDT
Portland were upset in their season opener against the Kings where they lost by three points, but were able to quickly put that behind them with a monster win against a quality Suns outfit. CJ McCollum has been the highest scoring Blazer in both outings to date, putting up 34 and 28 points respectively.
It’s been a tough start to the season for the Clippers who remain without their superstar forward in Kawhi Leonard who continues to recover from a knee injury. Paul George has stepped up in his absence in their first two games, but that hasn’t stopped them from losing to the Warriors and the Grizzlies by an average margin of four points.
The Blazers will be flying high on the back of their dominant win over the Suns and will surprisingly start as underdogs against the winless and undermanned Clippers. We believe the bookies have got this one a touch wrong and are more than happy to be on the visitng side to cover the spread.
Portland Trail Blazers +3
$1.90
Player Props
10am Bucks at Pacers – Pat Connaughton O10.5 Points ($2 TAB)
10am Bucks at Pacers – Chris Duarte O15.5 Points ($1.86 Sportsbet)
10:30am Pistons at Hawks – Saddiq Bey O22.5 PRA ($1.80 TAB)
10:30am Bulls at Raptors – Scottie Barnes 15+ Points ($2.30 TAB)
12pm Cavaliers at Nuggets – Will Barton O23.5 PRA ($1.95 Sportsbet)
1:30pm Trail Blazers at Clippers – CJ McCollum 25+ Points ($2.15 TAB)
