NBA Betting News & Tips

The LA Clippers face an NBA investigation after reports revealed a $28 million no-show endorsement deal funneling money to Kawhi Leonard, potentially circumventing the salary cap. Owner Steve Ballmer’s involvement with the bankrupt company Aspiration adds controversy. This scandal could bring severe penalties affecting Clippers' future and betting markets. Meanwhile, other NBA contract and rule changes create fresh betting dynamics this season.

Bold and spicy 2026 NBA Awards picks highlight Cade Cunningham as an MVP sleeper if the Pistons excel, with Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid as high-risk, high-reward choices. Charles Lee is a dark horse for Coach of the Year, Scoot Henderson for Most Improved, and Ausar Thompson for Defensive Player of the Year. Other sleepers include Kristaps Porzingis for Sixth Man and several intriguing Rookie of the Year candidates.

The New York Knicks have fired Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, seeking more adaptability and a fresh strategic vision. Mike Brown, known for his flexible coaching and offensive innovation, takes over, promising a faster pace, smarter rotations, and better utilization of the deep roster. Key players like Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and newcomers OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges will be crucial in this new era aiming for Eastern Conference contention and enhanced betting opportunities.

The Lakers' Showtime era revolutionized basketball with fast-paced, fluid offense led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Today’s NBA contrasts this with a focus on three-point shooting, especially from “stretch four” power forwards. Betting strategies now favor tracking threes over rebounds and valuing high basketball IQ players like Kobe Bryant. Summer League standouts and injury prevention provide key edges, while team chemistry remains crucial for futures bets, blending past lessons with modern trends to bet smarter.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to lead the NBA's most reliable duo, driving Denver’s strong betting profile this season. Other key duos include Booker-Ayton’s potential impact for Phoenix, Mitchell-Mobley's make-or-break role in Cleveland, and the rising Thunder tandem of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Defensive standout Wembanyama and hypothetical combos like Curry-Butler also highlight intriguing betting angles for futures and player props.

Luka Dončić has signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers, signaling a new era for the team and boosting their championship and MVP prospects. Meanwhile, the Knicks have committed to their core with Bridges and Brunson, the Kings' investment in Fox and pursuit of Kuminga raise questions, and new City Edition jerseys promise fresh betting angles this NBA season.

The Chicago Bulls have officially extended coach Billy Donovan’s contract, signaling a commitment to steady mediocrity with a .492 winning percentage and one playoff win in five seasons. While fans remain skeptical, the front office appears satisfied maintaining a team that hovers just above the lottery, likely resulting in another modest season with limited betting upside.

NBA free agency's biggest moves happened quietly: Denver improved around Jokic, Houston added depth, and the Lakers remain stuck in LeBron limbo. The West got deeper, the East more chaotic, and financial constraints mean fewer surprises ahead. Smart bettors should target improved depth over star power and watch for teams prioritizing playoffs over regular season wins.

Summer league served up rookie drama with Cooper Flagg's rough debut, but the real story is in season win totals. The Thunder's 62.5 looks like easy money, Houston's KD addition makes them legitimate contenders at 54.5, while the Lakers' organizational chaos makes their 48.5 under tempting. The East remains wide open with Cleveland's 56.5 looking too low for a 64-win team running it back.

NBA free agency reshaped the Western Conference as Houston landed Kevin Durant and Denver added depth around Jokić, while Golden State and Lakers got left behind. Milwaukee made a desperate $48M bet on Myles Turner to keep Giannis happy. The West is now a three-tier bloodbath with OKC on top, Houston/Denver battling for second, and chaos in the play-in spots. Damian Lillard's next destination could determine 2026-27 title odds.

Continuity means the Golden State Warriors are still the team to beat in the NBA Western Conference.

The Celtics seek revenge in their second matchup with Cleveland in less than a week. Meanwhile, the Blazers and Hornets look to maintain their surprise starts to the season against perennial playoff contenders.

Brooklyn needs more than just Durant and Irving firing to trouble the Bucks. The Nuggets can shine against a poor L.A. and don’t write off the 76ers.

The Boston Celtics stand atop most contenders in NBA Finals predictions. That said, the Phoenix Suns provide value odds as something of a sleeper early this season, as does a longshot team like the New Orleans Pelicans.

Two beasts of the East – the Sixers and Celtics – tip off the 2022-23 NBA season before the Warriors pick up their championship rings by hosting the Lakers. And then Wednesday brings the reunion of the Suns and Mavs.

The winners and losers of the draft/draft grades and early season player trading.

The Beasts of the East: the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets star in our NBA Championship predictions.