Ladbrokes’ Daily NBA Tips & Player Predictions cover the biggest matchups throughout the 2026/27 season, with expert insights, game analysis and betting previews across the key markets.
The Garden is set for a big night as the Knicks receive their championship rings, while LeBron James and Jaylen Brown make their Sixers debuts.
Beyond Mitchell Robinson, New York returns almost the same roster that ended its title drought last season. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has plenty of players competing for touches, though Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are still expected to lead the offense.
It’s difficult to judge a superteam this early in the season, but the Sixers have the potential to become a major force in the East—provided head coach Nick Nurse can keep everyone on the same page.
The Knicks’ offense was electric during their Finals run, but the emotion of banner night, with a packed crowd behind them, could prove distracting.
Philadelphia’s pick-and-roll attack could be tough to stop once it finds its rhythm. VJ Edgecombe is also worth watching for his perimeter shooting, giving the Sixers another option as they look to make an early statement.
Prediction: Sixers to Cover (+4.5 Points) @ $1.90
Player Pick
Joel Embiid stands out to me in this matchup. He’s been somewhat overlooked this offseason amid the attention on Brown and LeBron, but he scored 24 points the last time he faced the Knicks, in Game 4 of the Conference Semifinals.
Embiid’s health will remain a talking point throughout the season. Still, after putting up 27 points in a preseason game last week, he looks well placed to get the season off to a strong start.
Prediction: Joel Embiid Over 22.5 Points @ $1.87
Spurs vs Thunder
Calling this a “statement game” might not do it justice.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has spent much of the offseason reflecting on the Thunder’s Game 7 loss to the Spurs last year. San Antonio, meanwhile, has had a full offseason to think about its disappointing Finals defeat to the Knicks.
Questions about a possible San Antonio hangover—and whether the league will adjust to the Spurs’ style—are fair. But this is still a young, improving and dangerous team, with plenty of playmakers and Victor Wembanyama, the game’s premier big man.
A healthy Jalen Williams could be crucial to Oklahoma City’s hopes of climbing back to the top. However, the early absences of Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins could be felt.
That doesn’t mean the Thunder won’t finish the season on top, but it’s hard to overlook Wembanyama’s average of more than 20 points per game in last year’s memorable Conference Finals series.
The Spurs’ size and ability to spread the floor, along with all of the above, have me leaning their way in what should be a must-watch matchup.
Prediction: Spurs to Win @ $1.85
Player Pick
De’Aaron Fox could find himself coming off the bench at some point this season if Dylan Harper builds on his strong postseason. Even so, this matchup looks promising for Fox: he averaged just over 11 points per game against the Thunder in last year’s playoffs.
A lot will depend on Wembanyama and Stephon Castle creating opportunities. If they space the floor and set effective screens, Fox could find openings to attack the paint and build a strong scoring night.
Prediction: De’Aaron Fox to Score 15+ Points @ $1.78