The Scout: NBA Opening Night

Posted on October 22, 2019October 23, 2019 | Posted by The Scout

New Orleans Pelicans @ Toronto Raptors
23rd October, 8.05am WST

The Pelicans start life post-Anthony Davis without their superstar in waiting Zion Williamson who is set to miss the opening 6-8 weeks of the season.

Disappointing for New Orleans (and NBA fans in general) however the Pelicans have brought in a raft of young talent (Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart) ready to make their mark on the league.

Brandon Ingram has increased his points per game in every season of his career, and looks the most likely player from the Anthony Davis trade to have a genuine breakout year.

Last season Ingram averaged 18.3 points per game while playing in the turmoil that was the LeBron led Lakers. Ingram should now find himself as the go-to scorer for the Pelicans, playing alongside two of the most unselfish guards in the NBA.

Suggested Bet: Brandon Ingram 20+ Points @ $2*

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Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers
23rd October, 10.35am WST

The new-look Clippers will be without Paul George on Opening Night which will immediately test their depth on the perimeter and the front court.

Kawhi will have to be at his best from game one, and on defense, the Clippers don’t look to have the size to handle a Lakers’ front court rotation of Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.

From what we saw in the preseason, the early chemistry between LeBron and Davis looks borderline unguardable at times, with LeBron never having a pick-and-roll partner like his new running mate.

Without George in the early part of the season, I expect the Clippers to manage their players and time their run for the back half of the season.

The pressure is on LeBron and the Lakers here and I expect them to open the season with a statement.

Suggested Bet: Lakers -3.5 (Line) @ $1.94

*Odds correct as at 4pm, 22nd October 2019

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