We’re back!!!! Welcome returning lovers of successful betting, NBA unit stackers, and profitable bettors. Hello to those reading this money-making column for the first time. It is time! Opening day of the NBA is here, and so is Fantasy Alarm’s NBA Best Bets today. Remember to follow my other Fantasy Alarm staff’s bets with our bet tracker. MLB World Series, NBA, NHL, NFL, and more!

The 2025-26 NBA season finally tips off tonight, and what a way to kick things off with a marquee doubleheader on NBC and Peacock. Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets in a clash loaded with storylines. Followed by a Pacific Coast showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder raising their first banner in Oklahoma City, and Kevin Durant in the building, a better narrative couldn’t exist for a bettor. Our expert picks lean toward value in the spreads, totals, and props, factoring in offseason moves like Durant's trade to the Rockets and Luka Doncic's integration as the opening day leader of the Lakers. Let's dive into the best bets for Opening Night.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/21

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction: Tuesday, 10/21

Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | TV: NBC/Peacock | Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City | Odds: Thunder -7.5 | O/U 226.5 

The Thunder enter the 2025-26 season as champions after their dramatic game 7 finals win over the Indiana Pacers last June. This home opener against a revamped Rockets squad could be tighter than the line suggests. Oklahoma City’s core, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (projected 30+ PPG in 2025), remains intact, bolstered by Chet Holmgren's elite rim protection.

However, Houston's blockbuster acquisition of Kevin Durant gives them a scoring punch that was missing last year, when they hovered around .500. Durant, now 37, averaged 26.8 PPG in limited action post-trade last season and should relish in playing spoiler to the franchise he once aspired to bring a championship to.

This is a clash between two of the top six defenses of last season. The Thunder allowed 107.6 points per game (third best), and the Rockets allowed 109.8 points per game (sixth best). On opening night, a banner-hanging occasion, nerves will be tested. Oklahoma City will also be tested by the height of the Rockets. This strategy is catching popularity, and could cause problems for the defending champions.

The Rockets’ starting five will see its first live action, and there is no true point guard on the floor. This, paired with the elite front-court defense of the Thunder, could make scoring difficult for Houston. Put a unit on the under in a game between two defensive-minded teams. 

 

 

 

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Tuesday, 10/21

Game Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | TV: NBC/Peacock | Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles | Odds: Warriors -2.5  | O/U 225.5

Talk about a rivalry: Stephen Curry returns to face a Lakers team that shockingly landed Luka Doncic in a midseason blockbuster last year. Golden State, perennial contenders, reloaded with Jonathan Kuminga stepping into a larger role alongside Curry's sharpshooting ability. But the Lakers, with Doncic, Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart, look to defend their home court and send a message to the Western Conference.

DraftKings is offering an opening day special known as the “King of the Court”. It’s simple: place a wager on the player that will have the highest points + rebounds + assists (PRA) total and earn a share of $2,000,000 in bonus bets. Last year's winners were as high as $6,135 from Jamal Murray, and free bonus bets should not be neglected. Tonight, with only two games, it is more of a chalk play.

Luka Doncic is a natural high-volume PRA player due to his high scoring and rebounding ability. The Warriors do not have a true triple-threat player, nor do the Thunder. The Rockets have Alperen Sengun, who is a triple-double threat, but doesn’t score enough to be a threat to the leader. There are several players who can claim the highest PRA total with their points alone. Doncic is one of those players.

He will be picking up the slack for LeBron James, who is out with sciatica on the right side of his body. Luka will likely lead the Lakers in points and assists, but Ayton will challenge him for rebound leader. Put the wise money on Doncic, who averaged 43.9 PRA last season. Use the bonus bets on one of the futures mentioned below. 

 

 

 

Best NBA Futures & Prop Bets Today, 10/21

Futures are season-long commitments, but can have an enormous payoff. There will usually be props and parlays. The first article of the season will include future wagers as well.

  • Cade Cunningham Regular Season MVP (+5500 on BETMGM) 0.5U: Cade Cunningham gave a preview of what’s ahead in the 2025 NBA playoffs. He is a large guard who controls the flow of a game and can put the Pistons on his back. He will have the numbers to impress, and with 50+ wins to be in strong consideration for the MVP. Should he win, it would be one of the largest odd single wagers to hit this season.
  • Nikola Jokic Finals MVP (+700 on FanDuel): The Denver Nuggets seemed poised for another deep playoff run. After letting the Thunder come back and win the series in seven games, the Nuggets made moves to improve their bench. The success goes through Nikola Jokic, the third most dominant player of this century. Denver to be NBA Finals Champion odds have shifted from +900 to +600; the value is on Jokic to earn another beautiful Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy.
  • Jimmy Butler 30+  Points + Rebounds + Assists (BOOSTED +126 via DraftKings): Jimmy Butler is healthy and will be a top two scorer in most Warriors games. He should also find Curry when he draws double teams or dribbles into the paint, boosting his assist numbers. Butler averaged 29.1 PRA last season. Take advantage of the boost and expect a productive night from the future Hall of Fame member.
  • Parlay Pick: Golden State -2 & Curry Over 4.5 Rebounds +269. A $10 bet returns $36.90.

 

 

 

Get Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Today At FanDuel Sportsbook When You Sign Up

Ready to cash in on Opening Night? New users at FanDuel can snag up to $1,000 in bonus bets—just bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if your first wager wins, plus ongoing promos like NBA Same Game Parlay boosts. Sign up now via FanDuel's app or site, deposit, and place your first bet on any Opening Night action. T&Cs apply; 21+ in eligible states. Gamble responsibly—call 1-800-GAMBLER if needed. Let's make tonight legendary.
 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise.