NBA Odds Posted for Restart Opening Weekend Games

Above all the sports betting community is thrilled to see the board posted with NBA odds.   March 12 was a day that will live in sports wagering infamy. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the Association suspended play. Four plus months of inaction have dragged on ever since. July 30 marks the return of NBA games and gambling. Let’s take a look at the betting odds listed for the first three days of the restart.

Namely New Orleans rookie Zion Williamson has emerged as the new NBA superstar. The Pelicans’ sports betting dynamics have completely flipped. New Orleans was a profitable team at the time of play suspension. By contrast, Utah was in the red and covered just two of their last 10 games. A once-tight Jazz defense has loosened.

Despite their popularity and name-brand status, the Lakers showed impressive profits when play stopped. LeBron James and company covered six of their last eight games. Especially impressive is an improved defense that ranks third in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are also in the black vs. the NBA spread. LA trails only the Lakers in the Western Conference.

This is an NBA betting playoff rematch from last year that Milwaukee won with ease. Of course, the Bucks are led by 2019 NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee is running away with a 6.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference. Gamblers love the Bucks for their strong wagering value over the past two years. Yet the Celtics have been even more profitable than Milwaukee. Unlike last year Boston is again responding to head coach Brad Stevens. A defense ranked second in the NBA makes the Celtics a difficult out. 

On the whole, the Rockets are half a team. Scoring machine James Harden triggers the Association’s second-ranked offense. A defense ranked 22^nd in the NBA remains a drag. Harden is averaging an NBA best 34.4 points per game. And it was that lack of defense that has put the Rockets in the red. In like manner, the Mavericks are third for scoring offense and 15^th for points allowed. Luca Doncic leads Dallas with 28.7 points per game. Most important of all the Mavs were profitable on the board when play stopped.

On this occasion, we get two of the biggest names in the Association with Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard. New Orleans will be fighting for its very survival. Counter to that is a Clippers team that is guaranteed a playoff spot. Thus, gamblers may see an opening for the Pelicans.

Of major concern is a Pelicans defense that ranks 27^th in the NBA.   Offsetting that is an offense that ranks fourth for scoring. Williamson is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Brandon Ingram keeps defenses honest with 24.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per outing.

Commencing with the arrival of 2019 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard have the Clippers been transformed. Leonard is averaging 26.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. LA covered six of their last eight games when play stopped.

Immediately upon the departure of Kawhi Leonard were the Raptors written off for this season. Instead, they are second in the East. Cause by Pascal Siakam’s 23.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in Toronto making a strong title defense. In addition, the Raptors have been in the black on the board this year. Handicappers will be wondering if the Lakers will be in cruise control with load management.