NBA Preseason Picks & Predictions: Monday (10/12)
The NBA regular season begins next week. Until then, there are some preseason games to break down. Here are my top NBA preseason picks for today's action.
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Monday's Best NBA Preseason Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Brooklyn Nets (+120) at Washington Wizards (-142) | O/U 222.5 (-105/-115)
Both teams are undefeated in the preseason. The Nets are 2-0 after beating the 76ers and the Hornets, while the Wizards are also 2-0 after defeating the Pistons and the Knicks.
But I like the Nets to cover and win, even if it's on the road. I'm also taking the under.
In their four combined preseason games, these two teams have allowed fewer than 110 points. The Nets allow 99 points per game on average, and I think that defensive focus lifts them to a victory.
Picks: Nets Moneyline (+120) & Under 222.5 Points (-115)
Oklahoma City Thunder (+260) at Atlanta Hawks (-325) | O/U 223.5 (-105/-115)
More people are betting on the Thunder on the Moneyline and for them to cover the +8.5 spread. And I understand why. They're tied with the Spurs as the favorites to win the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy this season at +270.
But this is the preseason, and the Thunder haven't fared very well so far, going 0-2. They've lost with and without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Meanwhile, the Hawks are 2-1 and have won their last two outings this preseason. Jalen Johnson tallied 20 points and seven rebounds in Atlanta's last preseason game on the road. He's capable of another strong performance at home.
Pick: Hawks Moneyline (-325) & Jalen Johnson 18+ Points (-122)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+114) at New York Knicks (-135) | O/U 227.5 (-110/-110)
Karl-Anthony Towns has been in the headlines this week as the Knicks decided to table contract extension negotiations until later. He is up for an extension and was integral to their NBA title run last season.
Now Towns gets to see his former team at home. I'm going with the Knicks in this game, which will be on NBA TV. They're 0-2 in the preseason, but I don't think they go the entire preseason winless.
Pick: Knicks -2.5 (-112)