NBA Predictions & Preview for Thursday, Oct 22nd

Despite the season just tipping off, the NBA is only offering up two games tomorrow. Two games mean two winning bets, though. Here are your NBA predictions and preview for Thursday, Oct 22nd.

NBA Opening Night Predictions & Preview for Thursday, Oct 22nd

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers

Start Time – 7:00 PM EST

Picking against the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night was my lone slip-up this season. I guess the concerns that it would take a while for them to gel with a couple of new alpha dogs added to the mix were premature.

The Cleveland Cavaliers kick off their season tomorrow on the road in Philly, and may be without starting center Jarrett Allen. I like the Sixers to cover the modest spread.

Best Bet: Philadelphia -2.5 (-114)

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Start Time – 9:30 PM EST

The late game tomorrow is a battle between a couple of Western Conference titans: the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC took care of rivals the San Antonio Spurs on opening night, while the Nuggets see the court for the first time on Thursday.

Picking the Thunder to cover any spread, especially at home, is usually easy money. After crunching the numbers, I have the spread as Oklahoma City -9.5, so I’ll take the Thunder.

Best Bet: Oklahoma City -7.5 (-115)

2026/7 Overall Record: 1-1 (50%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): -($9.09)
Return on Investment: -5%