Well, that was quick! Just 72 days from the last game of the finals, the NBA is back in action. Tonight, we get two great matchups on TNT. They include the Golden State Warriors traveling to Brooklyn to take on Kevin Durant and the Nets and the Battle for L.A. with the Lakers taking on the Clippers at the Staples Center. Get your popcorn ready, because tonight is going to be electrifying. Let’s check out tonight’s Hoops Picks.

Golden State Warriors Versus Brooklyn Nets (-7.5)

After waiting about a year and a half, we finally get to see how the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant experiment is going to play out. Not only do we get to see how the experiment plays out, but we also get Kevin Durant facing off against his former team, the Golden State Warriors. This game is also going to be the first time he sees NBA action since he tore his Achilles in the 2019 Finals. There are lots of headlines going into tonight’s game in Brooklyn, but I see an opportunity to make some money in this game. I love Brooklyn in this spot and I’ll tell you why.

First off, with Klay Thompson out, the Warriors are missing their starting shooting guard for a second consecutive year. On top of that, former All-Star Draymond Green is out tonight with a foot issue. I just don’t see the Dubs keeping it close with two of their three stars out. The Warriors are going to grow a lot over the stretch of the season with their young core and Steph Curry at the helm, but they won’t be able to grow overnight.

Secondly, I’m very high on the Nets this year. I think that they’re definitely a top three seed in the East. A big reason is because of Durant and Irving, but I think the Nets might have the deepest team in the league. The role players of Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, Jarrett Allen, and DeAndre Jordan can match-up with any other team in the league. I also think they have a secret weapon in Caris LeVert. He’s going to shock a lot of people in the league this year, if he can stay healthy.

Keeping these reasons in mind for the first Hoops Pick of the night, you should take the Nets at -7.5.

Kevin Durant Over 26.5 Points

For my player prop of the night, I’m going with the man standing in the spotlight to have one of his signature games. You can say he’s in the spotlight for so many different reasons; his first game in a Brooklyn uniform, his first game back from his Achilles injury, facing off against his former team. I do love Durant in this spot because I think that he thinks that he has something to prove. Whether that’s about his injury, or win a championship without Steph Curry. The biggest reason I love this bet is that Draymond Green is out. I don’t think anyone else on this young Warriors team will be able to contain Durant.

With this Hoops Pick, trust that KD will have a big game and take the points.

Los Angeles Clippers Versus Los Angeles Lakers (-3)

As we go into the second game of opening night, we get the second year of the Battle for L.A. The Lakers are coming off their 17th NBA championship. They look to stay hot against their crosstown rivals in the Clippers. The Lakers have been busy in the short offseason adding depth at every position. These players include Dennis Schroder, Marc Gasol, Wesley Matthews, and Montrezl Harrell. With these additions, I actually think the Lakers are in a better spot than they were last year. They also have up and coming second-year player in Talen Horton-Tucker who has been lighting up the preseason. The Clippers also have some new faces this season, adding Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum and Luke Kennard. I feel like there is still tension within the team after an unexpected early playoff exit. With Marcus Morris out for tonight’s game, they lose a player that can try to contain Anthony Davis.

Tonight I see Lebron, Anthony Davis and the rest of the Lakers as the better basketball team. Until the Clippers can prove to me they have moved on from last year, I just don’t trust them, especially Paul George. Take the Lakers to get a big win to open the season for the last Hoops Pick tonight.

These odds were via Draft Kings and are subject to change.

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