Joe Jensen

Magic vs Knicks prediction: New York lays 7.5 with a 224.5 total. No Banchero and a Knicks team sweating its slow start points me to a grind-it-out game.

Pistons vs 76ers prediction: Philly is laying a short number on a back-to-back, and Detroit’s bench might be the best in the East. I’m taking the points.

Clippers vs Thunder prediction: OKC lays 15.5 against a Clippers team coughing it up 22 times a night. Here’s why I’m fine laying the big number.

Pelicans vs Nuggets pick for Oct 24: Denver lays 11.5 with a 238 total in its home opener. A rested Jokic meets a tired, banged-up New Orleans team.

Spurs vs Mavericks prediction: San Antonio lays 12.5 with a 231.5 total in Dallas. With Cooper Flagg out and both teams on tired legs, I’m playing the Under.

Warriors at Suns predictions for Oct 24: Phoenix is a 9.5-point favorite with a 219.5 total in its home opener, and Stephen Curry likely won’t play.

Rockets at Hawks predictions for Oct 24: Atlanta is a 1.5-point favorite with a 230 total in its home opener. Both teams are 2-0 and on a back-to-back.

Our Heat vs Hornets prediction: both teams are on a back-to-back, but Charlotte’s shooters are hurt and its offense is in free fall. We’ll lay 3.5 with Miami.