Bets: October 29, 2013

Update (10/31/13):

Pacers won 

Heat won 

Clippers lost

Record: 2 - 1

The regular season is finally here. It was a long, yet eventful summer and I can't be more happy that the game of basketball is back. Two games on TNT, my favorite NBA-broadcasting network obviously because of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. Shaq will slowly ruin the show but it is still going strong. I digress. 

Magic @ Pacers

Spread:

This one is obvious. The Pacers made some spectacular moves this summer, as I covered earlier, particularly with Luis Scola and Chris Copeland who will give them some much needed depth. But the main reason to watch this game will be for the regular season debut of second overall pick Victor Oladipo. He was recently voted as the best defender, Rookie of the Year co-favorite, second most athletic and the co-favorite to have the most successful career in the 2013 class, all voted by his draft class peers. Still, Indiana is too good to even come close to losing this game and should be a lock. 

Pick: Indiana Pacers

Bulls @ Heat

Spread:

Just writing that gave me goosebumps. Derrick Rose, who played well in the preseason, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah versus LeBron James and company? Oh baby it's going to be a great game. A rivalry restored, a superstar reborn and a game that should start this NBA season off with a hell of a bang. And if I'm not mistaken, it'll be an emotional night for Miami, who will be raising another championship banner up their rafters, which could make a difference when the game starts. Still, it's hard to bet against Miami even with a brand new Derrick Rose, so I'm going to go Heat by a hair. 

Pick: Miami Heat

Clippers @ Lakers

Spread: 

Damn, the league did a great job on picking games for opening night. Even with Kobe Bryant out for this one, two city rivals going at it always makes for a great game. The Clippers are clearly the better team right now and it will be exciting to see what Doc Rivers has done with a talent he has never dealt with before. Combine his motivational skills and defensive schemes with assistant coach Alvin Gentry's creative and up-tempo style and you get the most exciting team in basketball. Even though Blake Griffin retired Lob City I like this team better with a championship-or-bust mentality, one that will have me picking them nine times out of 10 to win because of Chris Paul, AKA Mini-Kobe. 

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers

P.S. Even though Blake retired Lob City, I still love this: