The Scout: NBA Opening Night Tips

Posted on December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 | Posted by The Scout

Golden State Warriors @ Brooklyn Nets

Two new-look rosters sees the debut of the Kevin Durant / Kyrie Irving Nets, and the Warriors with Stephen Curry back in the lineup; adding Kelly Oubre and James Wiseman, but still no Klay Thompson.

First year head coach Steve Nash has the task of making Irving and Durant work in Brooklyn. Durant’s return from an achilles injury adds an extra element, as does the general nature of Kyrie.

Wiggins, Oubre and Wiseman give the Warriors three freakish athletes in their starting five. While the first two are capable to scoring in bunches, the offensive load this season, and the success of the Warriors sits solely with Steph Curry.

With no Durant and no Klay running alongside him, Curry will be free to shoot as much as he wants… and from wherever he wants! In his most recent preseason game against the Kings, he went for 29 points in 29 minutes, including five made three pointers from 13 attempts.

There are so many uncertainties in this opening matchup but one thing we know is that Curry will be getting shots up… and I for one want to be on the side of him making them.

Suggested Bet: Stephen Curry to Score 30+ Points @ $2.30*

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LA Lakers @ LA Clippers

Sixth Man of the Year and former Clipper, Montrezl Harrell, is now a Laker adding just another layer to this matchup.

The Lakers will also unveil Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol and Wes Matthews while Serge Ibaka should come straight into the starting lineup for the Clippers

These two sides played four times last season, going two wins apiece, with each of these contests decided by less than 10 points. Neither team will give an inch in the season opener an I’m expecting it be close again.

The Lakers definitely improved over the offseason, and while their star duo will be managed, LeBron is the perfect leader to bring all the pieces together on short notice.

LeBron led the league in assists last season (10.2 per game) and I think he’ll be looking to bring his new teammates into the game from the outset here.

Suggested Bet: LA Lakers 1-10 (Margin) @ $2.75*

Suggested Bet: LeBron James 12+ Assists @ $3.40*

*Odds correct as at 6am, 22nd December 2020.

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