After a long and eventful offseason, it’s finally time for basketball once again. The 2025-26 NBA season tipped off on Tuesday with an excellent doubleheader of hoops between Western Conference stalwarts, and it brought us some great basketball. Now, the season officially gets underway in earnest on Wednesday with a whopping 12-game slate, highlighted by a massive matchup between the Cavaliers and Knicks at Madison Square Garden. You can find out our NBA picks for all of tonight’s matchups along with EVERY GAME this season, but for now, let’s dive into my NBA best bets for every game on Wednesday’s slate.
Cavaliers vs Knicks Best Bet: Knicks ML (+102)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This is a true coin flip game, but I like the Knicks’ chances, especially since some injury uncertainty is giving us a much better number on New York at home. As long as New York is an underdog, we’ll take the hosts on the money line.
Get our expert’s full Cavs vs Knicks prediction
Wizards vs Bucks Best Bet: Bucks -9.5 (-108)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
It’s now or never for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Giannis Antetokounmpo and company should be in a good position to succeed against a hapless Wizards team that should be headed toward another 20-25 win season.
Read our full Wizards vs Bucks prediction
Heat vs Magic Best Bet: Under 217 (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Now that this number has gone up considerably compared to the open, I can only look at the under in this matchup between Southeast Division rivals. Both offenses still have to prove it to me and both defenses can be trusted to start strong in this one.
Read our full Heat vs Magic prediction
Raptors vs Hawks Best Bet: Hawks -5.5 (-105)
Odds available at Caesars Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Atlanta is a team I’m high on entering the season, and the Hawks should be able to start strong against a Raptors team that has a lot of interesting components, but doesn’t really work all that well as a unit in practice.
Read our full Raptors vs Hawks prediction
Nets vs Hornets Best Bet: Hornets -5 (-110)
Odds widely available at time of publishing.
These are two of the bottom feeders in the Eastern Conference, but the Hornets appear to be headed in an upward trajectory, while Brooklyn could very well be the worst team in basketball this season. I’ll lay the points with the home team.
Read our full Nets vs Hornets prediction
76ers vs Celtics Best Bet: 76ers +2.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 Sportsbook at time of publishing.
I have major questions with both of these teams, but as long as Joel Embiid is able to suit up in this game, it’s hard not to side with the 76ers catching points against a familiar foe who will be adjusting to life without Jayson Tatum.
Pistons vs Bulls Best Bet: Pistons -4 (-108)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Detroit is a team that is likely due for some regression this upcoming season. However, the Pistons should start strong against a Bulls team that won’t be able to slow down Cade Cunningham at the point of attack and should struggle to score against this Detroit defense.
Read our full Pistons vs Bulls prediction
Clippers vs Jazz Best Bet: Clippers -10.5 (-110)
Odds available at widely available at time of publishing.
Los Angeles has taken money in this game since the line opened and it’s easy to see why. After all, this is a huge talent and experience mismatch and the Clippers should play with a bit of an edge given the recent drama surrounding the organization.
Read our full Clippers vs Jazz prediction
Spurs vs Mavericks Best Bet: Spurs +3 (-110)
Odds available at Fanatics Sportsbook at time of publishing.
While there’s a lot to like about the Mavericks roster on paper, it only truly makes sense with Kyrie Irving on the court. Until then, I think Dallas might struggle to score a bit, while Victor Wembanyama and company should see success when the Spurs have the ball.
Read our full Spurs vs Mavericks prediction
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers Best Bet: Timberwolves -3.5 (-105)
Odds available at BetMGM Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Minnesota has been one of the 2-3 best teams in the Western Conference over the last 2 seasons, and I’m expecting the Timberwolves to come out hot against a Blazers team that has potential, but still has to improve their offense for me to think that they could compete in a game like this.
Read our full Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers prediction
Kings vs Suns Best Bet: Suns -3.5 (-115)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The Suns are team I’m looking to back in 2025-26, and that’s even with the uncertainty that comes with starting over with largely a new roster. On the other side, the Kings are an unmitigated disaster and it’s certainly on the board that this team is in great position for a lifestream pick. Lay the short number with Phoenix.
Read our full Kings vs Suns prediction
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