Ricky Dimon
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We are wrapping up the first week of the 2022-23 NBA campaign with a 7-game slate on Sunday. It begins at 3:30 pm ET with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Portland Trail Blazers and then the court inside the building formerly known as the Staples Center will change colors before the night wraps up with the Los Angeles Clipper entertaining the Phoenix Suns. The Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors are also in action.
Let’s take a look at today’s mega parlay.
Hawks -10.5 (-110)
Lakers -6 alternate spread (+135)
Clippers -2.5 alternate spread (+118)
Parlay odds: +878
For this 3-team parlay we are going with 3 underdogs on the money line. Let’s break down each of the plays.
Los Angeles Lakers -6 alternate spread over Portland Trail Blazers (+135)
It’s early in the season, but it feels like this home game against the Trail Blazers is almost a must-win situation for the Lakers. LA’s first 2 games were bad – albeit against the defending champion Warriors and the Clippers. A date with the Blazers may be just what the doctor ordered for the Lakers, who will surely play with a sense of urgency in this one. If they don’t, well… then they have serious problems. LeBron James and company at least showed some grit in their most recent game against the Clippers on Thursday, coming back from a double-digit deficit twice in the game and even taking a brief 89-87 lead at the 8:01 mark of the 4th quarter before fading down the stretch. Expect a bounce-back performance against a softer opponent.
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Atlanta Hawks -10.5 over Charlotte Hornets (-110)
The Hawks will finish their 3-game home stand to open the season against the Hornets. It has been a successful start to the season for the Hawks on their home floor, as they have defeated the Rockets and Magic by 10 points apiece. Atlanta is a double-digit favorite once again against the Charlotte and you can look for the home team to cover – again – despite the relatively lofty number. The main storyline for the Hornets to begin the season is the absence of LaMelo Ball, who is the leading playmaker in the lineup and presents a major gap to fill. Miles Bridges also isn’t with the team due to issues off the court, so those are 2 key pieces the Hornets are missing in the early part of the season. Atlanta’s backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray is already in fine form and they should dominate today while also getting support from John Collins and De’Andre Hunter, who are red hot to begin the season.
Be sure to read our full Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks predictions
Los Angeles Clippers -2.5 alternate spread over Phoenix Suns (+118)
The Suns have not done well against the Clippers in Los Angeles of late, winning just 3 times in their last 19 visits. Both of Phoenix’s first 2 games this season were close and they are coming off a disappointing OT loss at Portland. The Clippers are coming off their 2nd win of the season last night in Sacramento, so this will be a 2nd game in 24 hours for them. Paul George exploded for 40 points to keep them undefeated. This is the Clips’ home opener, so there is likely to be a certain buzz around the team on Sunday – and with such a good record in head-to-head meetings at Crypto.com Arena their chances can be rated highly.
Be sure to read our full Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers predictions
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