NBA Betting Opening Night 10/22

8:05PM EST

• Opening Line: Raptors -5.5 and 227.5
• Current Line: Raptors -7 and 230

Top overall pick Zion Williamson is out for his first potential game against the defending champs. Despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard who has moved on the Clippers, the Raptors are still a competitive team in the east with quality depth on the roster and a sound starting unit that lacks only for a true superstar. The Raptors have far more defensive quality and it remains to be seen if the Raptors play with more pace than last season. If they do, the defensive edge C Marc Gasol brings might be mitigated to some extent but it could further unlock the skill sets of players like F Pascal Siakam. Given the still unknown pace aspect for the Raptors, the total should be labeled under only, but probably best to fade. The Raptors will simply be the more efficient team and their home game will bring a loud crowd off the championship win, take the Raptors -7.

10:35PM EST

• Opening Line: Clippers -1 and 227.5
• Current Line: Lakers -3 and 224

The league did an exceptional job putting together an opening night matchup of two perceived title contenders with big roster shake ups from the offseason. Moreover, the Lakers were expecting to land Kawhi Leonard before he threw a curve ball and teamed with Paul George to join a solid existing Clipper roster. This team has very sound depth, even missing Paul George for roughly the season’s first month. On the Lakers side, PG Rajon Rondo is questionable for this game, and he would be missed as Quinn Cook would be thrust into a meaningful role. The Lakers, after missing on Leonard, were forced to scramble for role players and did a sound job, but with F Kyle Kuzma out and potentially missing Rondo, they will lack for scoring and distribution beyond their big two stars. This line has moved in an incorrect direction and we will see the Clippers, as the best bet for a title, notch their first win of the year.