Apr 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) talk during the first half of game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports If it feels like the NBA season just ended, you’re not alone. Well, it probably feels like last season ended a long time ago if you’re a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Opening Night is for teams that are supposed to have good seasons and reach the playoffs. The world champion Boston Celtics meet that mold, and so does their Tuesday night opponent, the New York Knicks. The Minnesota Timberwolves certainly look strong as they open with the Los Angeles Lakers, who might be bubble material.
There are three unbeaten teams in the NHL: the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames and New York Rangers. The Jets are the lone squad to win every game, so we’ll study their contest against the St. Louis Blues.
Hoops and pucks in full swing. We will try to avoid the Sin Bin with these picks.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES AT LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Timberwolves (56-26 last season) reached the Western Conference finals, and another deep run is expected. The team fully belongs to star guard Anthony Edwards after longtime mainstay Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the New York Knicks.
Forward Julius Randle came over in that deal, and it will be interesting to see how his game fits with Edwards. Minnesota’s defense revolves around four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and his task will be to slow down Anthony Davis.
LeBron James, 39, is still thriving for the Lakers (45-37), and at some point Tuesday, his son Bronny James is expected to enter and make them the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game. Of course, Bronny needs a ton of seasoning, so he may soon be sent down to the G League.
The brittle Davis (over 24.5 points, -111) might outscore LeBron (24.5, -104) in this contest, but look for Edwards (26.5, -113) to top them both. Randle (18.5; -111 over, -115 under) might need time to mesh with his new teammates.
Anthony Edwards over 26.5 points, -113 (FanDuel)
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NEW YORK KNICKS AT BOSTON CELTICS
The Celtics (64-18) were superb in the regular season last season and turned things up a notch with a 16-3 record in the playoffs to claim their first NBA title in 16 years. Boston will again be one of the top teams, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown forming an unselfish duo and surrounded by good support players.
It will be interesting to see if the Celtics go through an early season hangover phase or get right back on track with racking up victories. Of course, we’re wondering if growling coach Joe Mazzulla cracked a smile in the offseason while thinking about hanging a banner.
New York (50-32) hasn’t won an NBA title since 1973, but at least the city can count on postseason play with the current group. Tom Thibodeau, speaking of grumpy coaches, has had a steady hand with this squad, while guard Jalen Brunson is now an elite player who contends for MVP honors.
The addition of Towns from the Timberwolves should work without limiting Brunson’s game. It just feels like New York could spoil Boston’s fun or at least lose close.
Knicks +5.5 spread, -110 (DraftKings)
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WINNIPEG JETS AT ST. LOUIS BLUES
Winnipeg (5-0-0, 10 points) is opening up a three-game road trip that includes stops in Seattle and Calgary. The Jets have scored six or more goals three times and allowed one or fewer three times. They have outscored their opponents 24-8.
Star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hasn’t played since Friday after being given the night off for Sunday’s 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hellebuyck has a 1.25 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage and is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goalie.
The Blues (4-2-0, 8 points) are off to a solid start and are completing a four-game homestand. St. Louis beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Sunday, and the goal output was its second best of the season.
Philip Broberg and Jordan Kyrou both have six points and are the only Blues with more than four. St. Louis is having trouble offensively, and Hellebuyck is in the net. Tells me all I need to know.
Under 6 total goals, -125 (DraftKings)
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