The first week of the 2025-26 NBA campaign continues with a 5-game slate on Saturday night. It includes Oklahoma City vs Atlanta on NBA TV in addition to Phoenix visiting Denver.
I tipped off the season by cashing both of my plays on Thursday, so let’s keep the momentum going! Make sure you also check out our NBA picks for every game.
Bull vs Magic best bet: Bulls +6.5 (-114)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
Orlando is playing the second game of a back-to-back after losing at home to Atlanta on Friday. That does not inspire a ton of confidence heading into a matchup with Chicago, which has not taken the court since Wednesday. That’s when the Bulls opened their season with a 115-111 over the Pistons. Nikola Vucevic had 28 points and 14 boards, showing no signs of slowing down at 35 years old as he prepares to face his former team.
Thunder vs Hawks best bet: Over 238.5 (-105)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Hawks have never played much defense. In typical fashion, they are giving up 124.5 ppg through 2 outings this season. Atlanta is also playing on a back-to-back situation and facing one of the most high-powered offenses in the league – a recipe for giving up tons of points. The Hawks boast plenty of offensive firepower, themselves, following an offseason full of significant acquisitions.
Hornets vs 76ers best bet: Hornets +6 (-110)
Odds available at Bet365 Sportsbook at time of publishing
Has Charlotte finally turned the corner? LaMelo Ball and company opened with a 136-117 defeat of Brooklyn, putting 9 different guys in double-figures. For the 76ers, Paul George is questionable. Philly looked good in its first game even without George, but it may not be able to cover a relatively sizable spread on Saturday if he also misses this contest. Joel Embiid’s knees already don’t look great; he scored just 4 points on 1-for-9 shooting in 20 minutes against Boston.
Pacers vs Grizzlies best bet: Over 237.5 (+105)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Grizzlies’ first game featured 250 points, as they took care of the Pelicans. Their second foray onto the court last night resulted in 260 points, as they got blown out by the Heat. Indiana loves to play fun-and-gone basketball, as well, so this has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout. The defending Eastern Conference champions are even more offensive this season after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee.
Suns vs Nuggets best bet: Under 234.5 (-110)
Odds available at Bet365 Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Suns scored only 102 points last night in a loss to the Clippers. Now they have to go on the road and face one of the better defensive outfits in the association. Jalen Green (hamstring) will not make his team debut until at least Monday. The under is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings in Denver and 7-3 in the last 10 H2H overall.
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