It's a full slate tonight across the Association, with a total of 12 games on the schedule, and I've pinpointed my NBA against the spread picks.
See it all in my NBA picks for Friday, Oct. 23.
NBA against the spread picks: Oct. 23
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Bulls Bucks |
Bucks -1.5 48% |
 Knicks Celtics |
Knicks +2.5 51% |
 Hawks Hornets |
Hawks -3.5 49% |
 Mavericks Pacers |
Pacers -5.5 53% |
 Timberwolves Magic |
Wolves -1.5 51% |
 Raptors Wizards |
Raptors -6.5 51% |
 Pistons Heat |
Pistons -1.5 48% |
 Rockets Spurs |
Rockets +5.5 51% |
 Pelicans Jazz |
Pelicans +1.5 48% |
 Grizzlies Warriors |
Grizzlies +3.5 48% |
 Clippers Lakers |
Clippers +9.5 51% |
 Blazers Kings |
Blazers -8.5 49% |
Percentages courtesy of Polymarket, one of our best prediction market apps.
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Expert NBA ATS picks: Oct. 23
Bulls vs Bucks: Bucks -1.5
The Bucks are the better play tonight. Nic Claxton is still out with a hamstring injury, and Josh Giddey suffered a wrist injury in the season opener, although he should play. Milwaukee was competitive until the fourth against Washington, while the Bulls were blown out by 43 points.
Knicks vs Celtics: Knicks +2.5
Boston blew a 22-point lead against Detroit in its opener, while Jayson Tatum struggled immensely, shooting just 6-for-23. The defending champion Knicks also lost to Philadelphia, but their defensive personnel and experience should keep this rivalry matchup close. I expect them to bounce back.
Hawks vs Hornets: Hawks -3.5
Atlanta erupted for 132 points in its opener, showing plenty of offensive firepower. Charlotte also won its opener, but the Hornets remain without Kon Knueppel, Coby White, and Grant Williams. The Hawks have more proven offensive weapons and should exploit Charlotte's lack of depth.
Mavericks vs Pacers: Pacers -5.5
Dallas started its campaign with a 128-110 loss to Houston, and the Mavericks are missing Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama. That leaves them shorthanded inside against Indiana's frontcourt of Ivica Zubac and Pascal Siakam. The Pacers also won their first game against New Orleans.
Timberwolves vs Magic: Timberwolves -1.5
Minnesota was electric in their opener, smashing Miami 131-106 behind Anthony Edwards' 45-point performance. Orlando allowed 132 points against Atlanta and will be without Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac. Those defensive absences could be an issue against a versatile Timberwolves attack.
Raptors vs Wizards: Raptors -6.5
Toronto couldn't have asked for a better start, destroying Chicago 135-92 on Wednesday. Washington also impressed against Milwaukee, but the Wizards were the NBA's worst defensive team last season and are without AJ Dybantsa. The Raps' depth should shine.
Pistons vs Heat: Pistons -1.5
Detroit pulled off the unthinkable in its opener, overcoming a 22-point deficit to beat Boston. Miami, meanwhile, gave up 131 points in a blowout loss to Minnesota. With Cade Cunningham running the offense and Jalen Duren imposing his will inside, I like the Pistons to move to 2-0.
Rockets vs Spurs: Rockets +5.5
Houston looked impressive in its opener, cruising past Dallas 128-110, while San Antonio lost to Oklahoma City by 12. The Spurs are also missing Tobias Harris, while De'Aaron Fox is questionable. Houston's offensive depth and physicality give them a real chance of keeping this contest close.
Pelicans vs Jazz: Pelicans +1.5
Utah's defensive struggles carried into the season opener, as Memphis scored 123 points in a comfortable win. The Jazz are also without Jusuf Nurkic, leaving them thin at center. New Orleans narrowly lost to Indiana but should exploit Utah's depleted frontcourt.
Grizzlies vs Warriors: Grizzlies +3.5
Memphis started its new era with an impressive 123-103 win over Utah, while the Lakers blew out Golden State. The Warriors are without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis, leaving their rotation depleted. I like the Grizzlies to take advantage of a shorthanded Dubs team.
Clippers vs Lakers: Clippers +9.5
Both Los Angeles teams impressed in their openers, with the Lakers beating Golden State 127 -105 and the Clippers beating Sacramento 121 -96. The Clippers have several injuries, but they showed enough offensive quality to suggest they could keep this closer than double digits.
Trail Blazers vs Kings: Blazers -8.5
Portland made a statement in its opener, hammering Phoenix 124-83, while Sacramento suffered a 25-point defeat to the Clippers. The Kings struggled defensively last season, and the Blazers looked electric with Damian Lillard back at the helm. With superior athleticism and depth, Portland will cruise.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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