To start our NBA Opening Night parlay, I'm backing the Pistons as slight home underdogs against the Celtics. Detroit went 31-9 at home last season and earned the #1 seed in the East. They slumped in the playoffs, but should be inspired to bounce back behind Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham. As for the Celtics, they will be adjusting to life after Jaylen Brown, and it's a big ask for them to come into Detroit and win right away. The Pistons hold the value here.
Next, I like the 76ers to at least keep things close with the Knicks. New York will raise its first championship banner since 1973, but Philly will have its own sights in a championship this season after bringing in LeBron James. The Knicks struggled in the preseason and had some behind-the-scenes issues as they failed to agree a new contract with KAT. The 76ers should be highly motivated to make a statement at MSG here, and should push New York all the way.
Let's wrap up our NBA parlay by backing another underdog to win outright, with the Thunder taken to beat the Spurs. OKC was the heavy NBA Championship favorite for almost all of last season, but fell in seven games to San Antonio. While the Thunder lost some players in the offseason, they should be motivated to get one back on their rivals. The Spurs are this season's favorites after falling short to the Knicks in the NBA Finals last season, but could be caught cold here by this inspired Thunder team. It's not every day you get OKC as an underdog, and I can't turn that opportunity down.
