With the NBA schedule officially released, betting enthusiasts are eagerly analyzing the odds for the season's most anticipated games. Here’s a breakdown of the top betting picks for Opening Night and Christmas Day in the 2025 NBA season.

Opening Night Betting Picks

Lakers (-155) vs. Warriors

The Lakers are poised for a breakout season following the transformative Luka Doncic trade. Despite last season's setbacks due to injuries and roster adjustments, the team is expected to hit the ground running. With LeBron James and a peak-condition Luka leading the charge, the Lakers are favored to overcome the Warriors, who also had a strong finish last season after acquiring Jimmy Butler III.

Rockets Moneyline (+200)

The defending champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, might face an unexpected challenge from the Houston Rockets on opening night. With Kevin Durant making his debut alongside young talents like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the Rockets are well-equipped to exploit the Thunder’s potential distractions during their ring ceremony. This sets the stage for a thrilling upset.

Christmas Day Betting Picks

Spurs +9.5 at Thunder

Victor Wembanyama has revitalized the Spurs, making them one of the league’s most exciting teams. Paired with emerging stars like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, the Spurs have the depth and talent to challenge the Thunder. The Wembanyama-Holmgren matchup adds another layer of intrigue, making the Spurs a strong candidate to cover the spread.

Cavaliers +3.5 at Knicks

The Cavaliers dominated the Knicks last season, sweeping all four matchups with an average win margin of 17.0 PPG. With both teams returning largely the same rosters, the Cavaliers are expected to continue their dominance. The current line favoring the Knicks by 3.5 points presents a valuable betting opportunity for Cavaliers supporters.

Conclusion

These carefully selected bets offer strategic insights for the 2025 NBA season’s most anticipated games. Whether you’re backing the Lakers’ resurgence or the Rockets’ potential upset, these picks provide a solid foundation for your betting strategy.