On Tuesday, October 17, the NBA season begins with two star-studded matchups. Bodog is here to provide you with the latest NBA odds and get you ready for the NBA betting season, previewing the inaugural night of the 2017-18 season.
Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors (-9)
The Golden State Warriors will host the Houston Rockets on NBA opening night at the Oracle Arena. The Warriors boast one of the best all-time NBA rosters, which has led to the team averaging an incredible 69 wins over the last three seasons.
Their main cast of contributors remains largely unchanged from last season, with superstars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green hoping to steer the team to ultimate glory in consecutive years. The Warriors are the prohibitive favourites to win it all this year, as their NBA Championship odds are set at -160 as we go to press.
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have changed things up in the offseason, acquiring Chris Paul via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul is joining his blue-chip co-star James Harden, who finished second in MVP voting a season ago.
Former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale has recently questioned James Harden’s leadership skills and the two have publicly exchanged criticisms of each other. With his leadership highly touted, Chris Paul will most certainly be tasked with bringing the team together and providing direction. Look for a highly entertaining Rockets-Warriors matchup at the Oracle.
Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-4)
The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers are given no time to settle into their newly shaken up rosters after completing a blockbuster trade with each other in the offseason. Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of Cleveland after the season concluded, seemingly displeased with having to share the spotlight with the all-time great LeBron James.
The Cavaliers reluctantly traded Irving to the Boston Celtics, receiving All-Star Isaiah Thomas in return, among others. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Isaiah Thomas is dealing with a hip injury and is unavailable for the Cavs’ season opener.
In addition to Irving, the Celtics have also acquired Gordon Hayward via free agency in the offseason. Hayward averaged 21.9 points per game last season, his career high, and over 24 points in the playoffs. Hayward should provide a considerable offensive boost to an already elite Celtics squad.
This promises to be a hard-fought, high-quality matchup that could be decided at the last minute of the game. Both teams are some of the very best in the league, and their NBA Championship odds back that up. The Cavaliers and the Celtics are +450 and +800 respectively to claim the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.
*Odds as of October 17, 2017