Top NBA Preseason Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (10/15)

by Jason Radowitz |
Oct 15, 2023

We’ve got six games on the NBA Preseason slate tonight! A third of those games will be featured on ESPN!

I’ve got a best bet for each game on the slate.

Before making your bets, please be advised that many players in these preseason games will be game-time decisions and could be ruled out after the submission of this article.

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Sunday’s Best NBA Preseason Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Detroit Pistons in their last game. The starters played at least 20 minutes each, with all the players adding at least 12 points but Josh Giddey. Chet Holmgren scored 16 points on 4-for-11 from the field in that game. Oklahoma City has a lot of depth on its bench, which has helped achieve many points in the Preseason. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have lost two straight games, including a 98-92 loss to Washington. Brandon Miller got his first start with the Hornets and scored six points in 26 minutes. He didn’t take a ton of shots. Not a single player on the bench even added double figures, and the Hornets played a lot of players. I’d ride the Thunder here.

Bet: Thunder -2.5 (-110)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat

Memphis is 2-1 in Preseason action. The Grizzlies most recently lost a one-point game to the Hawks. Santi Aldama added 22 points on 9-for-14, while GG Jackson took 23 shots and added 24 points off the bench. The Grizzlies didn’t play their big names except Steven Adams, who got just 15 minutes in that game. On the other hand, the Heat lost to the Spurs last time out, dropping to 1-1 on the year in the Preseason. The Heat couldn’t stop Victor Wembanyama. But also, Miami didn’t play any of their rotation players in that game. If both teams can get back to play their actual starters for at least 15 minutes, I’ll still rock with the Grizzlies in this game.

Bet: Grizzlies -1.5 (-110)

Cairn Taipans vs. Toronto Raptors

Cairn Taipans lost to Washington 145-82. The Toronto Raptors will do the same thing, especially after a 112-99 win over the Kings in their first Preseason game. Toronto is outstanding defensively and has a lot of depth on the bench. Gary Trent Jr. scored 22 points in 21 minutes for the Raptors against the Kings. Jalen McDaniels and Chris Boucher also scored double-figures. The depth and bench will play a lot in this game.

We might not get a line for this game until a couple of hours before the game. But the Raptors spread, up to -50, would probably make sense.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Bucks will have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard playing together for the first time this season! The Bucks struggled to find their offense consistent without those two key players. But now the depth will grow, knowing Giannis and Damian will play. For example, Cam Payne started for the Bucks and scored no points on 0-for-6 from the field against the Grizzlies last game. Lillard will replace Payne and should add way more production.

Meanwhile, the Lakers fell to Golden State 129-125 last time. They’re now 2-2 in Preseason action. The Lakers started Anthony Davis and LeBron James and even gave them an average of about 20 minutes. The entire starting five added double figures. But Milwaukee’s got to be hyped with Lillard and Giannis on the floor together. I’m excited. Back the Bucks.

Bet: Bucks +2.5 (-110)

Chicago Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets and Bulls just played in a double-overtime game three days ago. The Bulls came out on top, 133-124. You’d have to imagine both teams were tired after that game. But with multiple days of rest, I’m sure both teams are fine for this one. Denver played its starters for about 18 minutes. The bench came through, with Hunter Tyson Braxton Key, Collin Gillespie, and Julian Strawther getting solid minutes.

Meanwhile, the Bulls don’t have as much depth. Alex Caruso was the leading scorer off the bench. The Bulls scored 133 points without a single player getting to 20 points. The Nuggets also added 124 without a single player getting to 20 points. But still, despite the Bulls winning, the Nuggets have more x-factors. I’ll take Denver.

Bet: Nuggets -4.5 (-110)

Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings

Golden State is 2-0 in Preseason action after back-to-back wins with at least 125 points scored. Those wins were against the Lakers. This will be the Warriors’ first new opponent of Preseason. Jonathan Kuminga has looked great to start Preseason action. He’ll more than likely get solid minutes with the Warriors this season. The offense also looked fine, with Chris Paul starting at point guard with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Meanwhile, the Kings have lost two straight, including a 109-101 loss to the Lakers. De’Aaron Fox finally started to hit shots, but the depth of the Kings doesn’t compare to the depth of the Warriors. I’ll take the Warriors in this spot.

Bet: Warriors -2.5 (-110)

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