It really isn’t much of a surprise that the NBA season has began exactly the way that most people thought that it would, with top teams like the Chicago Bulls challenge for the Eastern conference lead. However, what is surprising is the way that the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have not been able to maintain the pace early on, going a combined 10-8 through their first 18 games combined. Both the Celtics and Lakers will look to take another step in the right direction this weekend as they face a couple of rising teams in the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers, which could legitimately feature as sports betting favorites at home in their respective games.
Boston Celtics @ Indiana Pacers
Saturday, 7:00 PM ET
It will be interesting to see what kind of a spread the sportsbook number lists for the Celtics on the road after they won just one of their first 11 games away from the TD Garden, especially considering how good the Pacers have been at home with three straight wins to open their season. Indiana is undoubtedly one of the toughest teams that nobody seems to be talking enough about early on, with Danny Granger leading a young but talented team in a wide-open conference. Boston will have a tough time keeping up with the Pacers speed and quickness, and will be hard-pressed to end their undefeated run.
NBA Betting Pick: Indiana Packers
Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls
Saturday, 8:00 PM ET
The Bulls look even better than they did breaking out in the Eastern conference a year ago, as reigning MVP Derrick Rose continues to make those around him even better. Young big men Joakim Noah and Omer Asik are big bodies that can bang down low, while Carlos Boozer continues to prove that he can still keep up with the younger guys. With role players such as Kyle Korver, Luol Deng, and the recently added Rich Hamilton performing above expectations, Chicago is hitting on all cylinders, and will flex their muscle against the Raptors in a game that will expose Toronto’s lack of top-tier talent.
NBA Betting Pick: Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers
Saturday, 10:30 PM ET
Although it is still early, it’s somewhat strange to see the Clippers ahead of the Lakers in the Western conference standings, but it could be a sign of things to come. The young Clippers have burst out of the gate with Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups doing an excellent job with Blake Griffin, and they will run at every opportunity this weekend in order to expose the Lakers’ age in front of a packed house at the Staples Center. Players like Kobe Bryant have a ton of pride, and they won’t allow the Griffin and company to just come in and bully them around. Bryant still ranks among the best in the game when he is playing at his highest level, and you can expect to see exactly that with the Lakers listed as underdogs on betting sites for Saturday in the battle of LA.
NBA Betting Pick: Los Angeles Lakers