Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers break down the opening games for the NBA season on Wednesday. Best bets as always.
Munaf Manji opens the RJ Bell’s Dream Preview NBA podcast, back from being under the weather and ready for the new season. With 13 games on Wednesday’s slate, he and Mackenzie Rivers break down four key matchups, offering sides, totals, and best bets. They begin with the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden facing the New York Knicks. The Cavs are 1.5-point favorites with Darius Garland out, DeAndre Hunter questionable, and Max Strus recovering from foot surgery. The Knicks are missing Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, while Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable with a quad strain. Mackenzie likes the Cavs, citing their improved offense, depth, and consistency, noting that even without Garland they’re better structured and cohesive. He argues the Knicks’ injury list and new coaching approach create uncertainty, favoring Cleveland’s early-season form. Munaf agrees, expecting Donovan Mitchell to shine and dominate offensively, particularly with the Knicks lacking frontcourt strength. Both lean slightly toward the over at 227.5, anticipating a strong Cavs offensive showing. Next, they preview the 76ers visiting the Celtics, Boston favored by 2.5. With Paul George, Jared McCain, and Trenton Watford out for Philly and Jason Tatum sidelined for Boston, Mackenzie sees both teams uncertain but leans Sixers due to Joel Embiid’s presence, citing his offseason conditioning and potential resurgence. Munaf shares optimism for Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, predicting a big game and slight Sixers edge against Boston’s thin frontcourt. For the Spurs at Mavericks matchup, Dallas is -2.5, with key absences including De’Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk, and Jeremy Sochan for San Antonio and Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and Dante Exum for Dallas. Mackenzie leans Spurs, expecting Victor Wembanyama to impress against Anthony Davis, while acknowledging Dallas’s experience advantage. They debate rookie Cooper Flagg’s outlook, agreeing he’s talented but unlikely to have a historically impactful rookie season, noting his youth and the rarity of immediate dominance. Munaf adds that Flaggs’ Rookie of the Year odds are overvalued given his supporting cast. They touch on Dallas as a trendy Western Conference pick, with Mackenzie calling it “a hipster choice” but doubting their title chances given chemistry and reliance on a rookie. Munaf concurs, seeing potential but too many variables. Wrapping up, they promote the “Beat Dave Esler NBA Contest” at pregame.com, with $1,000 in prizes and a $75-off code (NBA75) for Mackenzie’s full-season picks package. In best bets, Mackenzie doubles down on Cavaliers -1.5, emphasizing matchup dominance, cohesion, and depth. Munaf’s best bet is the Chicago Bulls +4.5 vs. Detroit, citing preseason sharpness, defensive improvement, and Detroit’s injuries and lack of reliable scoring beyond Cade Cunningham. Mackenzie agrees, backing dogs early-season trends. They close with light banter about gas prices and Munaf’s Houston connections before signing off, urging listeners to subscribe and enjoy opening week of the NBA season.
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