The calendars have been circled and plan being made. Most of all handicapping research and efforts are full throttle. July 30 marks the return of NBA betting. It follows that the Association has put together an outstanding lineup to get the party started. Most of the marquee men and teams are on prime-time television. And with the compressed schedule, the pressure will be a full blast for “bubble” teams. Just as important is how hard the top teams will go. “Load Management” could be a thing in the eight-game regular season. Now let’s look at three of the top matchups.
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
| Date and Time: | Thursday, July 30, 2020, 6:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Jazz vs. Pelicans TV Coverage: | TNT |
Jazz vs. Pelicans Odds to Win
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | +2 (-105) | 220½ (-110) | – |  |
| New Orleans | -2 (-115) | 220½ (-110) | – | |
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Owing to NBA marketing savvy is this TNT opener of little surprise. Zion Williamson is the rookie sensation of the Pelicans. He was the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Williamson missed most of the regular season with nagging injuries. But in the 19 offshore betting matchups, he participated in came immediate impact. New Orleans emerged as an instant playoff contender. They must stay within four games of Memphis to get a play-in opportunity. Most important of all Williamson made the Pelicans profitable.
Utah has lost much of its traditional betting value with a decline in defense. Yet the Jazz remains a certain playoff team in the West.
LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date and Time: | Thursday, July 30, 2020, 9:00 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| LA Clippers vs. Lakers TV Coverage: | TNT |
LA Clippers vs. Lakers Odds to Win:
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Clippers | +2½ (-110) | 217½ (-110) | – | |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -2½ (-110) | 217½ (-110) | – | |
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Owing to the battle of Los Angeles taking place in quarantined Orlando is a peculiar feel. TNT doesn’t mind because the Lakers and Clippers mean massive ratings. Sportsbooks are just as eager because of the expected betting handle. Namely its been Anthony Davis that has made the biggest impact for the Lakers. He has taken a significant burden off of LeBron James. While new Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has implemented a strong complete game style. Defensively this is the best Lakers team in years.
Of course, Kawhi Leonard has transformed the Clippers. Leonard was the Most Valuable Player of the 2019 NBA Finals. And as a native of LA, he has connected fans to the city’s “second team.” In a similar way to Davis, Paul George helps keep the Clippers balanced. Head coach Doc Rivers must tighten the inconsistent defense.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
| Date and Time: | Friday, July 31, 2020, 6:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Celtics vs. Bucks TV Coverage: | ESPN |
Celtics vs. Bucks Odds to Win:
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +4½ (-105) | 215½ (-110) | – | |
| Bucks | -4½ (-115) | 215½ (-110) | – | |
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Last year these teams met in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Milwaukee blew out the Celtics as Kyrie Irving voluntarily took a seat of surrender. Irving left Boston unforgiven and disgraced. More emphatically his departure was the best thing that happened to the Celtics. Boston’s return to team basketball has made them highly profitable for NBA betting. Head coach Brad Stevens has returned to his successful formula of defense first. Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown are each averaging over 20 points per game.
In turn, the Bucks are led by 2019 NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo. “The Greek Freak” is averaging 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Kris Middleton adds 21.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Of major concern is from there Milwaukee’s depth is considered questionable.
NBA Opening Odds Free Betting Picks
On this occasion, the Jazz, Clippers, and Celtics are all contrarian bets. Fading the public looks wise in an unpredictable return to NBA action.
NBA Opening Odds Free Betting Picks: Utah Jazz, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics