We’re going to resist referring to the current odds as the lines are about as stable as a three legged table. Just know that the Wizards will probably be without John Wall and Nene; clearly their two best players. Despite the omissions, you will never see us backing Cleveland at big minuses. Unless of course the Bobcats are in town.

LA are even shorter. No Dirk and a typical Mark Cuban re-shuffle means the Mavs will be as lost as Ben Cousins in church. The new look Lakers will have chemistry hurdles of their own but Kobe could beat these blokes with his 2006 teammates (shout out to Smush Parker).

The game of the day is certainly taking place in South Beach. Poor ol’ Jesus Shuttlesworth is in for some treatment. The blood between these two teams is worse than Magic Johnsons. We think Boston will put in a huge showing here. Odds of over $3 seems value.

Day two brings three times the games. If you can jag a few multis then thirsty Thursday is paid for. You won’t be too productive on Friday but that’s the bosses’ problem, not yours.

Healthy rosters and established chemistry the key to a strong start.

We’ve spruiked the 76ers on several occasions lately but we expect them to come out of the gates like Dunaden in the Caulfield Cup. Slowly. The Nuggets are just the opposite. An explosive and deep roster that will light it up all year. If this was in the mile high city they would be 7-8 point favourites, in Philly they are outsiders. Bet of the week!

Our surprise packet team for 2012-13 is the Raptors. They won’t be making the playoffs but they’ll cause some upsets, particularly in Canada. We think they’ll probably take some time to wind up though so no bet here.

Houston at Detroit is suddenly interesting thanks to the baffling Harden trade. Who saw that coming? And now the Rockets are suddenly favourites in Eminem’s hood. I know the Pistons are about as relevant as Ricky Nixon but give the kids a chance. Luis Scola will be sorely missed and James Harden isn’t Kevin Durant.

The Bulls will be too good for the Kings. Likewise the Spurs.

Utah is possibly our favourite multi fattener. If you can get odds of over $1.40 get involved. The Jazz have not one, not two, not three but four big men better than Chris Kaman.

Phoenix vs Golden State could be surprisingly entertaining. We don’t mind the new look Suns but they’ll take some time acclimatising. And Golden State has more question marks than Jim Carey’s Riddler costume so anything could happen here.

We like the Blazers to cover against LA. If the Lakers easily account for Dallas the odds here will be silly. Don’t sleep on LaMarcus Aldridge. And know that Lillard is capable of lighting up Steve Nash on debut.

Another outsider to consider is the Grizzlies. Elvis’ men look like a well-oiled machine and we question the new recruits for the Clippers. With Lamar Odom’s attitude LA would be better off replacing him with Khloe. Having said that, they still possess CP3 and that bloke that violently dunks on everyone. Either stay out or take the Grizz at odds over $2.50.

You know there is going to be some surprising results in the first few matches so don’t fall into the six leg favourite trap. Also, keep an eye on Betstar’s prop markets as well as there is certainly some value to be found there. We’ll have specials on all your favourite players.

Click here to see our NBA Matches markets.

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