Milwaukee Bucks v Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden Over 22.5 Points
James Harden Over 2.5 Made Threes
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 30.5 Points
Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points
LeBron James Over 28.5 Points
Kawhi Leonard Over 22.5 Points
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Friday 00:30: Milwaukee Bucks v Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden Over 22.5 Points
Despite losing 126-117 at the Boston Celtics on the opening night of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers have plenty to build on. Tyrese Maxey is coming into his own and he finished with 21 points and despite their turnover issues (nine between them), James Harden and Joel Embiid should be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Harden finished with a team-high 35 points, while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing seven assists. He shot 64 per cent from the field and went 12 from 12 at the free throw line.
We like the look of James Harden to have Over 22.5 Points against the Milwaukee Bucks, who are playing their first game of the season.
Harden will put up plenty of shots and he’s a master at drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Overs makes a lot of sense, especially with the 76ers at home.
NEW TO PADDY POWER NEWS?
James Harden Over 2.5 Made Threes
Harden made five of his nine three pointers in their defeat in Boston earlier in the week – a 56 per cent success rate.
With Embiid setting screens in the pick and roll, Harden will have plenty of opportunities to step back and shoot the three against the Bucks.
He got his reps in against the Celtics so he’ll be in rhythm against the Bucks, who are yet to play this season.
James Harden to make Over 2.5 Made Threes is the second leg of our Bet Builder!
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 30.5 Points
We’re staying away from picking the winner of Bucks v 76ers, especially with Milwaukee yet to play.
With us not knowing too much about the Bucks, especially with Khris Middleton being sidelined for the foreseeable future, we’ll stick with what we do know – Giannis Antetokounmpo is pretty much unstoppable.
Antetokounmpo averaged 30 points per game last season, while also shooting 55 per cent from the field.
With Middleton out, Antetokounmpo is the Bucks’ only real offense, and he always turns up. We’re going with Antetokounmpo to have Over 30.5 Points.
Friday 3am: Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James Over 28.5 Points
The Los Angeles Lakers were given the toughest game to kick off their season, with LeBron James and Co. travelling to NBA champions Golden State Warriors. The Lakers put up a fight, however, with the Warriors running out 123-109 winners.
The Lakers face rivals the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night at the Crypto.com Arena, where both teams play their home games (this is a Lakers home game).
Even if the Lakers aren’t doing well this season, one thing is guaranteed – James will be putting up points.
The 37-year-old, who scored 31 points against the Warriors, is on track to become the No.1 all time leading scorer in NBA history this season to pass ex-Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Clippers are stacked and they’re healthy this year after the return of Kawhi Leonard. It won’t be easy for the Lakers on Thursday night but James to have Over 28.5 Points is a smart selection.
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points
James and Anthony Davis are the Lakers’ main attacking threat this season, with Russel Westbrook also chipping in at times.
Davis dropped 27 points against Golden State, while shooting 46 per cent from the field.
He struggled with injuries last season but if he stays fit, Davis will give the Lakers at least 25 points a night.
The Clippers’ defence will be impressive this season, however, they might be willing to let James and Davis get their points, as long as the other role players don’t step up.
Davis to have Over 24.5 Points is our second selection.
Kawhi Leonard Over 22.5 Points
Leonard missed the whole of last season through injury but the two-time NBA champion is back and raring to go for the Clippers.
The 31-year-old averaged 25 points per game for the Clippers in the 2021-22 season before his ACL injury.
Leonard is a master in the mid range, while also being able to knock down the three regularly. Let’s also not forget about his drives to the basket to put somebody on a poster.
Leonard to have Over 22.5 Points seems very likely to wrap up our Bet Builder!
Thursday’s NBA betting tips:
Milwaukee Bucks v Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden Over 22.5 Points
James Harden Over 2.5 Made Threes
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 30.5 Points
Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points
LeBron James Over 28.5 Points
Kawhi Leonard Over 22.5 Points
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
- Paddy Power’s Value Report: £74m given away to punters last season
- Love football, intimately! Crouch and Clatts star in Paddy’s latest blockbuster
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
