The new NBA season has finally arrived and I am certainly excited for Opening Night, in which we'll get a chance to see two games.
First up is the electric duel between the Houston Rockets and the reigning champions, OKC Thunder, in Oklahoma, while the Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Golden State Warriors later this evening.
In this article, I will provide you with my favourite NBA predictions and suggest a Bet Builder for each game since we have a special offer from BoyleSports for new players that allows you to boost the odds on your first NBA Bet Builder.
My NBA betting tips for Opening Night – 22/10/2025/
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OKC Thunder vs Houston Rockets predictions
The reigning NBA champions enter the new NBA season with their roster intact and with most of their players one year older and more experienced after gruelling playoffs. According to the bookies, the OKC Thunder are the main favourites to win the NBA title once again and their closest challengers are miles behind, at least based on the odds.
That being said, the Houston Rockets are one of those teams that have high hopes for this season, although those hopes did take a huge hit with Fred VanVleet's injury (torn ACL), which will keep him out for the entire season. Meanwhile, the Thunder don't have such problems, but they will be without Jalen Williams for Opening Night, who is one of the key pieces of their starting lineup.
So, with both teams missing one key player this evening, that evens the field a bit, but I can't see the Thunder failing to win the first game of the season, at home, as the reigning champions. While the Rockets certainly have enough firepower for them on any given night, they will need some time to find their groove with Kevin Durant and without VanVleet, which is why I can see the Thunder covering the spread tonight.
In addition to this, the Thunder have been the best defensive team last season and that shouldn't change this season, while the Rockets weren't far behind. If anything, it was their offence that was lacking in the playoffs, so I expect a low-scoring game as well.
To top off my Bet Builder for this game, I've gone for the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score 30+ points. His average last regular season was 32.7 points per game and with Williams out of the game, SGA should take on an even bigger role on the offensive end this evening.
My Thunder vs Rockets Bet Builder:
- Thunder to win (-6.5 handicap)
- Under 227.5 total points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ player points
7/2 odds @ BoyleSports (place this bet and get 25% odds boost)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors predictions
LA Lakers will host the Warriors in their first game of the season and while they will be without LeBron James, they will looking to notch their first win of the season led by Luka Doncic, who reportedly enters this season in the best shape of his life. On the other hand, Golden State won't miss any of their key players, so they also have high hopes for this game.
With LeBron slated to miss this match, Doncic will likely look to score even more than usual, so betting on him to score 30+ points tonight seems logical, especially considering the fact that James scored more than 70 points against the Warriors in their last two meetings. Those points will have to come from somewhere and Luka is the prime candidate for it.
On top of that, neither of these teams have been particularly impressive on the defensive end last season, so I expect to see plenty of points. In fact, three of their four H2H duels last season have gone over 226.5 total points and the fourth one was right on the line with 226 points.
Lastly, while I expect a close and exciting game, I would give the Lakers the advantage simply because they'll have the home-court advantage tonight.
My Lakers vs Warriors Bet Builder:
- Lakers to win (moneyline)
- Over 226.5 total points
- Luka Doncic 30+ player points
4/1 odds @ BoyleSports (place this bet and get 25% odds boost)
An avid sports fan and bettor, with a soft spot for basketball, tennis, and football. New to the MFT's unique community and very glad to be here.
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