There are so many NBA games Wednesday that are going to be trimmer than the toenails Anthony Davis left on the court a few days ago, but nobody really knows who’s coming ready, motivated, or fully rested into this season opener. It’s hard to predict the impacts new guys in new cities will have on team chemistry and whether or not James Harden’s return from the Wynn Casino “All You Can Eat Buffet” will mean anything (he already got into a bit of trouble last night). But, he does sort of resemble The Boss Rick Ross, who once rapped, “Every boss started as a worker.” Which means something, I just don’t know what…
We were going to feature the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup, but the NBA has postponed the game for tonight because the Rockets don’t have enough players to proceed. And I was really looking forward to the cash that spread was going to make me. Anyway…
For this NBA season opener, let’s get into my remaining picks for another top matchup on Wednesday 12/23/2020. We have taken all odds from PointsBet Sportsbook (read our review here).
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns: Mavs +1 (-115)
Point Total: Over 234 (-105)
How are the Suns an even match with the Mavericks? I get it, Chris Paul, D. Booker, and DeAndre Ayton are exciting. But it takes Chris Paul longer to learn how to play with new teammates than it took me to try and figure out this play-in Playoff tournament thing they’re doing this year. CP3’s gonna give the Suns a great third option, but Luka Dončić is about to take another big career step up and he doesn’t want to lose to the Suns on opening night. I think the books are overestimating the Suns’ immediate impact. Take the Mavericks.
It may look like the point total of 234 is higher than half the NBA this season due to the league no longer testing for marijuana, but I’d take the over here as well. After Luka and Booker show out with their mad offensive skills, a 127-110 final isn’t out of the question. And take whatever points you can on both Luka and Booker.
