Happy opening night basketball fans! After a long four months without hoops, the 2024-25 NBA regular season tips off tonight with two marquee matchups. To kick things off, Jalen Brunson’s Knicks take on the defending champion Celtics in an Eastern Conference rivalry game. For the nightcap, Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves take on LeBron James and the Lakers in JJ Redick’s head coaching debut.
While two games don’t give us much to work with, there’s still value to be had on Tuesday’s slate. Here are three prop bets to kick off the season in style.
Al Horford 18+ points, rebounds, and assists (-110)
With Kristaps Porzingis nursing a leg injury, the Celtics will once again turn to grizzled veteran Al Horford. The 38-year-old might be near the end of his career, but he’s still a key piece on a title-winning team. Last season, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in just under 27 minutes per game.
Right now, with no KP, this line doesn’t make much sense. When Horford played more than 30 minutes last season, he cleared 18+ PRA in 14 of 22 contests (63.6%). The Knicks are incredibly thin down low right now; neither Mitchell Robinson or Precious Achiuwa are suiting up tonight. If the Celtics are to cover as 5.5-point favorites, they’ll need to get Big Al involved.
Josh Hart 10+ points (+110)
One of the only good things to come of New York’s never-ending string of injuries last season? We got to watch Josh Hart cook. Post-All Star break, the 6’4 wing put up 12.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a whopping 40.5 minutes per game. Now, with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo traded to Minnesota, the expectation is that Hart will start on a top-heavy Knicks roster.
While he’s never been known for his scoring, Hart still contributes on the offensive end. Last season against the Celtics, the eighth-year wing put up 12.2 points per game against Boston. Post-trade deadline, he tallied 16 points in each of his two matchups with the C’s. There’s no question head coach Tom Thibodeau will give his starters plenty of minutes. None are more qualified for a heavy workload than a do-it-all iron man like Hart. 10 points at plus money is great value for bettors.
Naz Reid OVER 4.5 rebounds (-140)
As previously mentioned, there were plenty of changes this offseason for the Timberwolves. With Karl-Anthony Towns gone, a major gap in production has opened up for the rest of Minnesota’s big men. Nobody is better positioned to take advantage than the reigning sixth man of the year, Naz Reid.
Despite playing barely over 24 minutes per game last season, Reid averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. In all five career games against the Lakers with more than 20 minutes played, he’s grabbed at least five boards. Whether Reid finally starts or comes off the bench, it’s clear that the front office’s decision to trade KAT was partially due to their confidence in the 25-year-old. Although the line is somewhat pricey, Minnesota’s young center is well-positioned to smash this number tonight.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
