Opening Night in the NBA is finally here, and Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks will host the new-look Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden for ring night. While I like Philadelphia's chances of hosting its own ring ceremony to start next season, I'm backing the defending champs in our NBA moneyline picks.
I'll never forgive the 76ers for losing on Friday, the final day of preseason basketball. We jumped on their moneyline early at a strong probability, the Celtics rolled out a G League-caliber roster, and everything went according to plan — except for Philadelphia actually winning the game.
The 76ers need time for this roster to gel, while the Knicks have a major advantage in their lineup continuity and familiarity. That's why I'm putting my money on New York to open the season.
Here are my NBA preseason moneyline picks and NBA picks for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
NBA moneyline picks: October 20
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Pistons
76ers
ThunderPercentages courtesy of Polymarket, one of our best prediction market apps.
Trade on the NBA at Polymarket!
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $25 trading bonus after you deposit $10 to trade on any event contracts!
*Eligible locations only
Expert NBA moneyline picks: October 20
Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons: 
Celtics
There's no secret here: I like the Boston Celtics on Opening Night against the Detroit Pistons. My Celtics +2 spread pick has been sitting on the Covers Picks page for a while now.
Our edge has narrowed as the Celtics have moved from +2 underdogs to slight moneyline favorites. However, there's still value at 52%, as I make Boston a 54% favorite.
The Celtics have one of the most versatile perimeter defenses in the league, allowing them to keep pressure on the big-bodied Cade Cunningham, even when Detroit runs actions designed to force defensive switches. Boston's wing defenders also have the rim protection of Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta behind them.
I don't believe this version of the Celtics matches up well for Detroit. Give me Boston at 52% on the moneyline.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks: 
Knicks
Josh Hart is listed as questionable for Opening Night, but his ankle injury doesn't sound serious enough to keep him out, and he's expected to play.
If this were later in the season, my opinion would be very different at these probabilities. However, on Opening Night, I expect the Philadelphia 76ers to experience too much lineup friction to pass up the New York Knicks at 62%.
Philadelphia has a lot to figure out with its rotations, usage, and how it deploys its collection of superstar talent. The 76ers' starters also just lost a preseason game to the Celtics, who were playing the deepest part of their bench. Philadelphia had all of its starters available except for VJ Edgecombe.
That gives me even more reason to back the Knicks in this spot.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs: 
Spurs
When everyone is healthy, the San Antonio Spurs are a tough matchup for the Oklahoma City Thunder because their trio of guards — De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle — makes them less susceptible to Oklahoma City's pressure defense.
The matchup becomes even more challenging for the Thunder when you factor in the injury report. Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams both missed the entire preseason with injuries and are questionable for Opening Night.
You don't want to be short on center depth against Victor Wembanyama, especially in this matchup. Both Holmgren and Williams can stretch the floor as shooting bigs, forcing Wembanyama away from the rim and limiting his ability to protect the paint.
If neither big can suit up, Isaiah Hartenstein will be forced to shoulder the bulk of the minutes at center. His offensive limitations would allow Wembanyama to roam as a help defender in the paint.
At 55%, give me the Spurs on the moneyline.
Today's NBA moneyline combo
Celtics
Knicks
Spurs
Picking my three favorite legs for an Opening Night three-team moneyline combo is easy when we only have three games to choose from. The Knicks will get their rings and remind everyone that the road to the East still runs through New York.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
