Ricky Dimon
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We are entering the first weekend of the 2022-23 NBA season, and it should be a fun one. There are 11 games tonight, 9 on Saturday and 7 more on Sunday. Today’s schedule includes a doubleheader on ESPN; it starts with the Boston Celtics visiting the Miami Heat before the Golden State Warriors entertain the Denver Nuggets. Boston-Miami is part of our Friday mega parlay.
Let’s take a look at all 3 legs.
Raptors ML (+126)
Celtics -2.5 (-110)
Suns -9.5 alternate spread (+170)
Parlay odds: +1065
Lock in our NBA picks for each of tonight’s 11 games
Toronto Raptors ML over Brooklyn Nets (+126)
The Raptors are 1-0 after using a strong 4th quarter to win their opener against Cleveland. It was an especially impressive effort considering that 3 rotation players were out due to injury; Chris Boucher, Otto Porter Jr. and Khem Birch are all questionable for this one, as well. Pascal Siakam led the team in scoring before fouling out, but it was a classic collective effort with all 5 starters scoring in double-figures.
As for the Nets, are they already in trouble? It’s possible. They lost their opener at home to the Pelicans, giving up 130 points in the process while trailing the entire game. Ben Simmons was on the court, but he took just 3 shots and posted a -26 – the worst on the team. Look for Toronto to add to Brooklyn’s early-season woes.
Be sure to read our full Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets predictions
Boston Celtics -2.5 over Miami Heat (-110)
Boston opened its season with a solid home win over Philadelphia. The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were in midseason form, scoring 35 points apiece. They also did not get overwhelmed inside against Joel Embiid, even though Robert Williams III wasn’t in the lineup. That is a good omen for the Celtics’ prospects in his absence. Newcomer Malcolm Brogdon made an immediate impact, as expected. Now they are off to Miami, which is coming off a disappointing setback against Chicago. Kyle Lowry was lousy; if he doesn’t improve significantly on Friday, the Heat could be in line for a second straight loss. They are home ‘dogs for a reason.
Be sure to read our full Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat predictions
Phoenix Suns -9.5 alternate spread over Portland Trail Blazers (+170)
A season-opening win over Dallas on Wednesday was just what the doctor ordered for Phoenix, which memorably lost that matchup in the playoffs last season. After falling into an early 22-point hole, the Suns were able to claw back and win on late Damion Lee heroics. Now they head out on the road to face Portland, a team they have defeated 6 times in the last 7 meetings. The Trail Blazers outscored the Kings by 11 points in the 2nd half to win their opener 113-108. Damian Lillard was off his game and that can’t be the case in this one if the Blazers want to have any chance. I don’t think they do. Count on the Suns taking care of business; I wouldn’t be surprised if they do so by double-digits, too.
Be sure to read our full Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers predictions
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