The 2026/27 NBA season continues on Thursday with a huge slate of games, including three fascinating matchups featuring some of the biggest names in basketball. Giannis Antetokounmpo makes his Miami debut against Anthony Edwards and Minnesota, Houston begin their campaign against Dallas, while Luka Doncic and the Lakers host Stephen Curry's Warriors in the final game of the day. We've taken a closer look at all three contests and picked out our best bets below.
Also don't forget to check out our huge NBA 2026/27 Season Preview and Futures Plays.
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Today's NBA Best Bets
| Game |
Selection |
Odds |
| MIN @ MIA |
Miami Heat -1.5 |
$1.90 (1 unit) |
| DAL @ HOU |
Dallas Mavericks +8.5 |
$1.90 (1 unit) |
| GSW @ LAL |
Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 |
$1.90 (1 unit) |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Miami Heat
Thursday, October 22 | 10:30am AEDT
Miami enter the new season with considerably higher expectations following the blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP gives the Heat a genuine superstar to build around and should immediately transform their offence, particularly in transition and around the basket. His combination of size, athleticism and playmaking adds another dimension to a Miami side that already has an established identity under Erik Spoelstra. The challenge will be developing chemistry with his new teammates, but the Heat have the talent to become a serious Eastern Conference contender.
Minnesota arrive with championship ambitions of their own, led by Anthony Edwards, who continues to establish himself among the NBA's elite offensive players. Edwards gives the Timberwolves a reliable scoring option in virtually any matchup, with his ability to attack the rim and create shots off the dribble making him particularly dangerous late in games. The arrival of LaMelo Ball adds another dimension to Minnesota's offence, giving Edwards a creative backcourt partner capable of generating scoring opportunities. However, integrating their offseason changes while maintaining their defensive standards could take some time against a Miami side with a completely new focal point.
This shapes as one of the most intriguing games of the opening week, with Edwards and Antetokounmpo capable of taking over at either end. There are legitimate questions about how quickly Miami's new combination will click, but Giannis gives the Heat a significant advantage attacking the paint and creating opportunities for teammates. With home-court advantage and Spoelstra's ability to make adjustments, we favour Miami to open their campaign with a victory. The short handicap makes the Heat our preferred selection.
Our NBA Tip
Miami Heat -1.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets
Thursday, October 22 | 11:30am AEDT
Houston begin the new campaign with genuine championship ambitions after establishing themselves among the Western Conference's leading contenders last season. Kevin Durant remains the focal point of their offence, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson provide an exciting combination of youth, athleticism and playmaking. The Rockets won 52 games last season and have the defensive personnel to trouble almost any opponent. However, they were less convincing against the spread at home, covering just 17 of their 41 games, which raises questions about their ability to justify such a significant handicap in their season opener.
Dallas enter the season with renewed optimism, largely thanks to the return of Kyrie Irving alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Irving missed the entire 2025/26 campaign through injury, but made an encouraging return during the preseason, scoring 17 points as the Mavericks defeated Houston 132-115 in China. Flagg also impressed in that victory with 14 points and seven assists, offering an early glimpse of what could become a dangerous partnership. With Irving taking some of the offensive responsibility away from Flagg, Dallas should be considerably more competitive than the side that struggled throughout last season.
Houston deserve favouritism on their home floor, but an 8.5-point handicap looks generous given the improvements Dallas should make with Irving back in the rotation. The Mavericks have already demonstrated their ability to trouble the Rockets during the preseason, and Flagg's continued development gives them another legitimate scoring threat. Houston may ultimately have too much quality over four quarters, but we expect Dallas to remain competitive and keep the margin within single figures. The Mavericks with the points look the better value.
Our NBA Tip
Dallas Mavericks +8.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, October 22 | 1:00pm AEDT
The Lakers enter the 2026/27 season with Luka Doncic firmly established as the face of the franchise following LeBron James' departure to Philadelphia. Doncic remains one of the most productive offensive players in basketball and will again carry enormous responsibility as both a scorer and facilitator. His ability to control the tempo, exploit mismatches and create opportunities for teammates makes Los Angeles dangerous against virtually any opponent. The Lakers will be hoping a full offseason built around Doncic translates into greater consistency, particularly on the defensive end where they have struggled at times.
Golden State continue to build around Stephen Curry, who remains one of the league's most dangerous perimeter threats despite entering the latter stages of his career. Curry's movement without the ball and extraordinary shooting range continue to create problems for opposing defences, while Draymond Green remains an important part of the Warriors' defensive structure and ball movement. However, Golden State face questions about their ability to consistently match the athleticism and physicality of younger Western Conference rivals. Their reliance on Curry to generate offence could also become an issue against a Lakers side capable of attacking mismatches throughout the game.
There should be no shortage of offensive highlights in this matchup, with Curry and Doncic capable of producing huge scoring performances. The Warriors will look to stretch the floor and create open perimeter opportunities, but the Lakers have the advantage of being able to consistently generate high-quality looks through Doncic's playmaking. Los Angeles also have the benefit of home court, and we expect them to put pressure on Golden State's defence throughout the contest. The Warriors are always dangerous when Curry gets going, but we favour the Lakers to make a winning start and cover the 6.5-point handicap.
Our NBA Tip
Los Angeles Lakers -6.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Odds quoted at time of writing and subject to change. 18+ Gamble Responsibly.
