NBA Best Bets and Picks for Today: High Upside on Second Day of Early Action

The 2025-26 NBA season tipped off last night, but for most teams around the league, tonight marks their debut. That means plenty of opportunity across the board. With so few data points for oddsmakers to work with, bettors can find major value before lines start to sharpen.

Whether you’re scrolling through sports betting apps or cashing in on sportsbook promotions, this slate is full of early-season upside among the best NBA bets today.

Game Lines

Cleveland Cavaliers -1.5 vs New York Knicks

🏀 (-110 via BetMGM) 📈

The Knicks will be shorthanded in their opener and going against the team that was the best in the East last season. Cavs should win this game and also cover the spread with their high-powered offense.

Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks – Under 236 Points

🏀 (-105 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈

While the Hawks are much improved and the Raptors should be more competitive this season, this is one of the highest point totals of the day. For teams that have new pieces, the offense can be stagnant early in the season.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics – Over 229.5 Points

🏀 (-105 via BetMGM) 📈

Two of the more interesting teams in the Eastern Conference, it will be fascinating to see how the Celtics and Sixers fare this season. In either case, both squads have star-level talent who should fill up the scoring column. Make sure to use BetMGM's early-season promo codes for even more value on this bet.

Detroit Pistons -3.5 vs Chicago Bulls

🏀 (-105 via bet365) 📈

If the Pistons make the leap this season, then many think they can, they'll be one of the top teams in the East. Conversely, the Bulls still lack an identity and are stuck in the middle.

Portland Trail Blazers +143 vs Minnesota Timberwolves

🏀 (+143 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈

Although the Timberwolves have gone to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, the Blazers upsetting them in the opener is a great play. Portland's style of play is built upon great defense, and the offensive pieces are starting to come around.

Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns – Under 229 Points

🏀 (-110 via BetMGM) 📈

The Kings and Suns are projected to be two of the worst teams in the Western Conference, and both are integrating new pieces into the roster. Expect this game to look ugly, which is why I am taking the under.

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Player Props

Kon Knueppel Over 9.5 Points

🏀 (-115 via bet365) 📈

Although he's just a rookie, Knueppel will play a significant role on the Hornets this season. He's a very smart player with a reliable 3-point shot that has a great chance at scoring double-digit points in his NBA debut.

Franz Wagner Over 20.5 Points

🏀 (-125 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈

Wagner remains one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and this scoring total reflects that. He averaged 24.2 points per game last seasona and is only getting better, so he should easily hit the over here.

Zion Williamson Over 7.5 Rebounds

🏀 (+105 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈

An in-shape and healthy Zion Williamson is one of the best players in the league. Against a banged up Grizzlies team, he should be able to clean the glass all night.

Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 Assists

🏀 (-155 via bet365) 📈

The hub of the Spurs' offense, especially with De'Aaron Fox sidelined with an injury, Wembanyama will draw consistent double teams and be able to find open teammates. He's already one of the best players in the world and doesn't get enough credit for his passing chops, which is why logging four assists should be no problem.

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Today’s Best Parlay

💰 Combined Parlay Odds: +578

• Zion Williamson Over 38.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
  • 🏀 (-114 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈
• Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 51.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
  • 🏀 (-113 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈
• Victor Wembanyama Over 40.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
  • 🏀 (-109 via Caesars Sportsbook) 📈

This three-leg parlay features the three players who could end up having the biggest stat lines on Wednesday night. Each of these players stuffs the box score and is the primary piece on their respective teams. Especially in the season opener, expect all three to be aggressive and cash these combined overs.

With nearly every team in action for the first time this season, the market is still trying to find its rhythm — and that’s where the value lies. Early-season inefficiencies make this one of the best nights to explore the board, especially for bettors using top sports betting apps.

Take advantage of current sportsbook promotions, trust your reads, and lock in the best NBA bets today before the lines tighten.

All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21

Mandatory Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images