Will Thursday’s preseason slate mark the first time we see LeBron James take the floor as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers?
Nick Nurse said he expects the majority of his players to be available, which has me backing the Sixers as one of our favorite NBA moneyline picks.
Philadelphia is on the road, which isn’t typically ideal for preseason starters, but this trip is about as convenient as it gets. The game is in Brooklyn, much closer to where James lives than Philadelphia, and he won’t even need a helicopter to get there.
With Nurse expecting most of his roster to be available, I’m backing the Sixers in the market.
For more betting analysis across the slate, check out our latest NBA picks for Oct. 8.
NBA preseason moneyline picks for Oct. 8
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Celticsvs  Cavaliers |
50% |
 Pelicansvs  Heat |
72% |
 76ersvs  Nets |
68% |
 Wizardsvs  Knicks |
37% |
 Hawksvs  Spurs |
27% |
 Kingsvs  Lakers |
32% |
Prices courtesy of Polymarket.
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Expert NBA preseason moneyline predictions for Oct. 8
Celtics vs Cavaliers: Cavaliers
At 50%, I’m rolling with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a preseason game, I value the continuity of having the same core and coaching staff, while the Boston Celtics are still working Paul George into their rotations and lineups.
Joe Mazzulla will be testing different combinations with George in the mix, whereas Peyton Watson is a lower-usage, connective piece who should seamlessly fit into Cleveland’s starting lineup.
The Cavs should be trading closer to 55% in this spot.
Pelicans vs Heat: Heat
The New Orleans Pelicans stole us a green checkmark in their last game for our NBA moneyline article, mounting a massive second-half comeback, but I can’t go back to the well with the Pelicans on Thursday.
They simply don’t have the size or rim protection to slow down a team featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The mismatch on the interior is significant enough that, even with the Miami Heat trading at 72%, I’m comfortable saying that win probability should be even higher.
76ers vs Nets: 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets looked solid in their opener, with Egor Demin looking like a player who has taken a step forward.
And let’s face it, Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. are a duo that’s hard not to be entertained by offensively.
That said, the Philadelphia 76ers rested most of their starting lineup in their opener against the Knicks, but Nick Nurse said he expects them to play Thursday against the Nets.
If the majority of the starting five is confirmed in, I expect this 68% probability to rise as we get closer to tipoff.
Wizards vs Knicks: Wizards
I’m surprised to see the Washington Wizards trading at such a low probability in a preseason matchup against the Knicks. You can grab Washington at 37% on Polymarket, and I price them closer to 43%, giving us a strong edge in this spot.
Beyond the improved lineup featuring noted New York Knicks killer Trae Young, there’s plenty of motivation on this Wizards roster. AJ Dybantsa is the first overall pick and has something to prove, especially on the Madison Square Garden stage.
The Knicks, meanwhile, have nothing to prove in the preseason. Give me the Wizards all day at 37%.
Hawks vs Spurs: Hawks
The San Antonio Spurs’ 74% win probability feels heavily inflated by what they accomplished last season, winning the Western Conference and reaching the NBA Finals. This is preseason, and 74% is simply too high for a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Not to totally nerd out on a preseason game, but one of San Antonio’s biggest advantages is its collection of offensive creators in Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper.
The Hawks, however, have several point-of-attack defenders — including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Lu Dort, and Dyson Daniels — who can counter that strength.
Kings vs Lakers: Kings
I backed the Sacramento Kings in their first preseason matchup against the Lakers, and they lost by 24 points, so naturally, I’m coming right back to the well with the Kings. In fairness, if they win just one of the two matchups, a 32% probability still offers solid return on your investment.
Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Ben Simmons all sat out the first game without carrying a significant injury designation. If Sacramento gets one or more of those players back in the lineup, it would provide a major boost to their depth, which is especially valuable in preseason.
That gives me plenty of confidence in the Kings at 32%.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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