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 Knicks should be eager to respond after losing their season opener to the Sixers on ring night.
The celebrations and delayed tip-off may have played a part in New York’s performance at the Garden, but there’s no need to panic. Jalen Brunson looked like himself, and Andre Drummond pulled down double-digit rebounds off the bench.
Boston, meanwhile, has some early questions to answer. In its first game without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics let a comfortable lead slip against the Pistons, who outscored them 39–25 in the fourth quarter.
Paul George looked sharp in his debut, but I’m still unsure about Boston’s depth and whether it can find reliable shooting throughout the season. It’s early, of course, but I’m more comfortable backing the Knicks here.
PREDICTION: Knicks to Cover (+2.5 Points) @ $1.90
PLAYER PICK
This has the makings of a classic revenge game for former Knick Mitchell Robinson.
His Celtics debut on Thursday was a quiet one, with four points, two blocks and three rebounds. Boston’s offense needs to find another gear late in games, though, so I expect Robinson to get more than two field-goal attempts this time around.
PREDICTION: Mitchell Robinson Over Points + Rebounds Total
Toronto sent a message to the rest of the league in Thursday’s season opener, crushing the Bulls 135–92 in Kawhi Leonard’s return to the city.
Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley all had productive nights as scorers, but it was Toronto’s defense that stood out most. The Raptors made smart adjustments throughout the game to close off Chicago’s scoring opportunities.
It was only one game, and the Bulls could be in for a tough season, but there were plenty of encouraging signs from Toronto. The Raptors have a nice mix of young talent, veteran leadership and depth.
Washington also made a statement with its win over the Bucks, but the Wizards fell behind early and their offense looked out of sync at times.
With the Raptors on the road and a trip to Minnesota coming up next, this looks like a good opportunity to back Toronto against another team they should be able to handle.
PREDICTION: Raptors to Cover (-5.5 Points) @ $1.90
PLAYER PICK
Jakob Poeltl had a quiet game around the basket on Thursday, finishing with just three points and six rebounds in a little over 21 minutes.
This matchup should give the Raptors big man a chance to bounce back. Washington just allowed the Bucks to score 50 points in the paint, so Poeltl could find more room to operate.
PREDICTION: Jakob Poeltl Over Points Total
It’s still early, but the Warriors have looked like they could be in for a difficult season.
The Lakers built such a big lead in Thursday’s opener that they were able to rest Luka Dončić for the entire fourth quarter.
Golden State didn’t add much talent around Steph Curry, and its lack of depth could be exposed against a young Memphis team eager to make a statement.
The Grizzlies opened their season with a 20-point win over the Jazz. Ty Jerome led the way with a huge 45-point performance, while rookie Cameron Boozer grabbed 11 rebounds.
Memphis looks capable of causing problems all season, making the +3.5 line seem generous.
PREDICTION: Grizzlies to Cover (+3.5 Points) @ $1.90
PLAYER PICK
The Warriors gave up nine rebounds to Walker Kessler and eight to Luka Dončić earlier this week, so Boozer is my pick to make an impact on the glass again.
PREDICTION: Cameron Boozer Over Rebounds Total