NBA Predictions for tonight (25th October): Winning teams and more predicted

The 2023-24 NBA season started with a bang following two highly-anticipated games that lived up to expectations. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets opened their title defense by throttling LeBron James and the LA Lakers. Jokic picked up where he left off by dropping another triple-double and reminding basketball fans of what they had been missing. The Phoenix Suns’ edge-of-your-seat win over the Golden State Warriors on the road was also just as advertised.

The second night of the new season is jam packed. 24 of the 30 teams will be playing. Basketball fans who have been waiting for months to see their respective teams in action will not be disappointed. Every team will be looking to do well following an offseason of changes. Wednesday is bound to be another action-packed night.

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Here are NBA Predictions for the October 25th games

Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets

The visiting Atlanta Hawks are 3.5-point favorites to win against the Charlotte Hornets. Atlanta, on paper, has a stronger and deeper roster than Charlotte. The home team, however, will be parading Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, who is expected to help a healthy LaMelo Ball carry the team.

The Hawks’ Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and a slightly superior lineup could push them to a season-opening win.

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Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers

The vastly revamped Indiana Pacers will host the new-look Washington Wizards. Oddsmakers give the Pacers -7.5 odds of winning the game.

The Pacers could open their season with a win against a team that lost Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in the NBA offseason.

Adding Jordan Poole may not be enough for them against the Pacers.

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Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

The marquee matchup of the night is going to be the battle between two traditional Eastern Conference rivals. The Boston Celtics, who are considered the favorites to challenge the Denver Nuggets for the NBA championship, start their season at Madison Square Garden. Waiting for them will be the New York Knicks who will be raring to put a dent on the Celtics’ highly-touted roster.

The Celtics could walk away with a win against the Knicks to start their season. Jayson Taum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Porzingis could be the difference-makers in the said game.

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Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic

The fourth game to start at 7:00 PM ET pits two of the youngest and most talented teams in the NBA. The Houston Rockets will visit the Orlando Magic in what is expected to be a high-flying affair.

The Magic almost made it to the NBA play-in tournament last season and is expected to be better this time. They could greet their fans with a victory over the visiting Rockets.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets

On paper and the court, the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets could be the most difficult to predict. Cleveland, despite being the road team, are slight favorites.

The Nets will not have the kind of pressure looming over them without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They could surprise the Cavaliers and defend their home court.

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Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat

The reigning Eastern Conference champs will take on a team with one of the worst records in the NBA last season. The Miami Heat even without additional star power is a heavy favorite to defend their home floor against the Detroit Pistons.

“Emo” Jimmy Butler would be satisfied with a win to start their season.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Toronto Raptors

The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the preseason with a 5-0 record. They will, however, be tested by the hosts Toronto Raptors. “The North” team lost Fred VanVleet and former coach Nick Nurse in the offseason, which could be a problem early on.

Still, they have Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. Despite being slight underdogs, they could eke out a win against the Timberwolves.

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OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan will meet his former team, the OKC Thunder, at the United Center. Oklahoma’s roster just got a lot better following their impressive campaign last season.

The availability of Chet Holmgren, together with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, could turn the team into NBA playoff contenders. They could also squeak past the home team in their season opener.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The New Orleans Pelicans will start the season on the road against the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will lead their team against the host that will not have Ja Morant and Steven Adams.

Morant is serving the first of a 25-game NBA suspension while Adams is out of the entire season to rehabilitate his knee. The Pelicans could take advantage of the undermanned Grizzlies for the win.

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Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz

Following their impressive 2023-24 NBA campaign, no one will overlook the Sacramento Kings. Mike Brown’s team will travel to Salt Lake City to take on the just as surprising Utah Jazz.

Sacramento’s talent, depth and continuity could lead them to a win over Jazz.

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Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Victor Wembanyama era in San Antonio starts on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Welcoming the highly-touted rookie will be Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

“Wemby” has shown that the hype is real. Still, Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Mavs have the deeper and more experienced team. Dallas could leave San Antonio giving the French phenom his first loss in the NBA.

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Portland Trail Blazers vs. LA Clippers

Scoot Henderson and the young Portland Trail Blazers will be on the road to battle the veteran LA Clippers. Led by Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the home team had a surprisingly quiet offseason.

A healthy Clippers team remains a tough opponent. LA’s veterans could show the young guns how much they need to improve to win.