Julian Edlow shares his NBA picks for Friday, October 24.
Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors
The Raptors started their season with a convincing win by 20 points as road underdogs in Atlanta. Toronto looked very balanced, with seven players scoring double-digits in the win. The Raptors return home to face the Bucks, who also won their season opener, but against a Wizards team that projects to be among the worst in the NBA. Beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s roster took a step back this season. Let’s see what the Bucks are capable of on the road against a talented and hungry Raptors squad.
NBA Pick: Raptors Moneyline (-110)
San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans
The Spurs looked spectacular in their season debut, particularly Victor Wembanyama. Sharp money came in on Dallas, which was bet up as a home favorite in the game. San Antonio won by 33 points, and got a historic performance from Wemby, who finished with 40 points, 15 boards, three blocks and zero turnovers. Stephon Castle also looked great, and the Spurs proved to have a roster deep with talent, even while D’Aaron Fox is sidelined. Meanwhile, the Pelicans got off to a good start against the Grizzlies, but showed their true colors. This isn’t a competitive team, and the bench provides little spark. The Spurs might be for real this season, and are certainly priced too short against a team like the Pelicans.
NBA Pick: Spurs Moneyline (-125)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
It took the Timberwolves a little while to get going in their win over the Trail Blazers, but they got the road win behind a big game from Anthony Edwards. Minnesota continues to develop as a potential contender, and returns the majority of the roster that went to the Western Conference Finals last season. On that WCF run, the Wolves bounced the Lakers with ease in five games, and that was with LeBron James healthy. While I do feel the Warriors are a legitimate team, the Lakers did not look good at all in their season opener on Tuesday. I certainly don’t like the roster turnover with Deandre Ayton for Los Angeles, who should get eaten up by Minnesota’s bigs. I like the T-Wolves to pick up where they left off and take down the Lakers again.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves Moneyline (-112)
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