Overall Record: 1-0 +1.00
October 19
Cavaliers ML +120
I think this Cleveland team gets this "new era" off to a pretty strong start. I believe this is a top 5 team in the conference, and I think they show right away just how talented they are. Toronto is not an easy place to play, but I think the opening night is a good time to catch a team like this on its home floor. I think the Cavs are the better team, and I like the value here of getting plus-money to win straight up. So it's worth a shot IMO.
Nets -3 EVEN
The stock price on Brooklyn is low because of their offseason, but I really like this team big picture. There are some concerns about off-court drama, etc. but I really love how this team is constructed from a basketball standpoint. Knock on Ben Simmons all you want, but he is a really nice complimentary piece to what KD and Kyrie bring to the table. I also am not sold on New Orleans. They get Zion back, but who knows what their chemistry is like? And they were a pretty bad team last year despite the playoff appearance. It's only 3 points, so let's go with it.
Damian Lillard over 23.5 points -115
This is a weird game, but figured there would be some opportunity here value-wise. I think Portland is a pretty mediocre team -- at best. I think they lack scoring punch and will be reliant on Dame. The Kings also are pretty weak as far as perimeter defense goes. I think Dame is going to want to come out and fire early and often, and he should be able to get a lot of clean looks. Gimme the over here.
Good luck! Happy NBA season!