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The 2014-15 NBA season technically got going on Tuesday night, but three games is no way to tip off a new season. On Wednesday night, however, a whopping 12 games roll out for all the masses to see. There still is no LeBron James through two days of NBA action, but it’s still a huge night of pro basketball.
For all the NBA betting folk out there, we’re rolling through all 12 matchups with some quick hitting analysis and our picks. We went 2-1 on Tuesday, correctly nailing the Pellies and Rockets as winners, while being a Chandler Parsons game-winner from starting off the new year umblemished.
With that, it’s onto Wednesday’s NBA Picks:
Bucks @ Hornets
Jabari Parker makes his pro debut and Jason Kidd takes over the reigns in Milwaukee, but the Bucks are still very young. Charlotte, on the other hand, added talent, is on the rise and is at home. They’re the favorites tonight.
Pick: Hornets 96, Bucks 87
Bulls @ Knicks
Derrick Rose makes his triumphant return and will try to get his Bulls to 1-0 in the Madison Square Garden. The Knicks aren’t terrible but the triangle and their coach is new. It could be a work in progress.
Pick: Bulls 93, Knicks 90
Rockets @ Jazz
Utah hosts the Rockets on their second of a back to back, but Houston disposed of the Lakers easily on Tuesday so they shouldn’t be too tired. Expect a blowout against by the hands of the Rockets.
Pick: Rockets 112, Jazz 85
Lakers @ Suns
The Lakers have a better chance of winning on Wednesday than they did on Tuesday, but they’re pretty terrible and have no depth. Phoenix is much more explosive on the outside and even somehow has been interior play. The Suns should be embarrassed if they lose.
Pick: Suns 96, Lakers 91
76ers @ Pacers
Indiana has been ravaged by injury, while the Sixers simply have no talent. It’s pretty much Tony Wroten versus Roy Hibbert in what should be the ugliest (best?) game of the night. Indiana wins be default.
Pick: Pacers 84, 76ers 77
Nets @ Celtics
Brooklyn finished last year very strong and could be good again even without Paul Pierce. They’ll get things going without Brook Lopez tonight, though (foot), while any road game can be tricky. They should still top the Celtics, though.
Pick: Nets 96, Celtics 90
Wizards @ Heat
Washington is on the rise and Miami is sans LeBron James, but these are still two very solid teams that will compete hard. Dwyane Wade is healthy at the moment and the Wiz are without Bradley Beal, so the Heat should take this one at home.
Pick: Heat 103, Wizards 100
Hawks @ Raptors
This could be one of the better battles of the night, as the Haws and Raptors both have nice interior play and can shoot from outside. Atlanta could pull off the upset if Al Horford plays a good amount, but the Raptors might have the better overall depth. They’re at home, too.
Pick: Raptors 99, Hawks 97
Timberwolves @ Grizzlies
Minnesota could be a pesky out this year, but it’s doubtful everything comes together on night one in Memphis. The Grizzlies were an elite team when Marc Gasol was healthy and he’s there to get the 2014-15 season going.
Pick: Grizzlies 104, Timberwolves 90
Pistons @ Nuggets
This should be a high-scoring game with little to no defense, so naturally the advantage probably goes to the home team. Detroit is also without Greg Monroe to start the year (suspension), so the Nuggets should win this one.
Pick: Nuggets 116, Pistons 108
Warriors @ Kings
Sacramento plays host to the Warriors and absolutely has the talent to pull off the upset, while Golden State walks in with David Lee likely on the shelf to get things going. Still, the Splash Brothers should get the best of the Kings, who still stink on defense.
Pick: Warriors 109, Kings 103
Thunder @ Blazers
No Kevin Durant here and too many injuries to count for OKC. Portland, on the other hand, is healthy, pretty talented and playing in their home opener.
Pick: Blazers 105, Thunder 102
