The NBA got the season started on Tuesday night with a double-header that didn’t feature much competitive basketball. The Warriors and Nets were the first game that was essentially over before it began. Brooklyn dominated Golden State behind 26 points from Kyrie Irving and 22 from Kevin Durant in his Nets debut. The Los Angeles Lakers got their championship rings in a ceremony before their game against the Clippers. That only pissed the Clippers off. Paul George scored 33 points and the Clips went on to win 116-109.
So with just two games on opening night, we get everybody else playing on Wednesday night! A massive 13-game slate! The marquee matchup should be the Celtics vs. the Bucks on primetime with Giannis Antetokounmpo starting his MVP defense. Later on in the night we’ve got Mavericks-Suns with Luka Doncic heading into the game as favorite to win MVP. It’ll be interesting to see how James Harden and the Rockets do with all the controversy swirling in Houston. The Rockets host the Thunder.
Let’s take a look at the schedule and check out some initial odds for each game on DraftKings Sportsbook.
NBA regular season schedule for Dec. 23
Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: CLE +2
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers, 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: IND -8
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic, 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: ORL +4.5
Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: PHI -7.5
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: TOR -4.5
Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m. ET
Spread: CHI +2
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets, 8:00 p.m. ET
Spread: HOU -7
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00 p.m. ET
Spread: MEM -2
Detroit Pistons vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00 p.m. ET
Spread: -4.5
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets, 9:00 p.m. ET
Spread: DEN -8.5
Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10:00 p.m. ET
Spread: POR -1.5
National broadcasts for Dec. 23 games
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Spread: BOS +3.5
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Spread: PHX -1
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