NBA Saturday parlay tips, odds and predictions

The NBA season has begun and there are eight games on the schedule for Saturday. Let’s check out three games for a parlay and some info on the games and picks.

Toronto Raptors @ Milwaukee Bucks
Raptors +5, O/U 225.5

The defending champion Raptors are a 5-point underdog heading to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals.

A rule of thumb in the NBA, in terms of betting, is that a team playing back-to-back games id not a good bet for the second game. That rings true in this game where the Bucks beat the Orlando Magic 123-91 while the Raptors had the night off.

The Raptors have won three in a row and are off to a solid 4-1 start. They rank 10th in they rank 10th in the league in ppg and Pascal Siakam (28 ppg) and Kyle Lowry (21.4 ppg) lead five players for the club that are averaging at least 12 ppg.

The Bucks have won two of their last three games and they have not lost two in a row or won two in a row in their 3-2 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a double-double (24.8 ppg 13.6 rpg) and the team has been solid on both ends of the floor.

The Raptors are fresher and hotter, and they will play well in this game even on the road. They may not get the W but will cover the spread getting five points.

PICK: Raptors +5 (1.90) at 888.com

Charlotte Hornets @ Golden State Warriors
Warriors -1, O/U 223

The Warriors played on Friday night while the Hornets did not, and each team has not gotten off to a good start. This is especially the case for the Warriors who are 1-4 and have lost all three games at the new Chase Center in San Francisco.

Not only is Steph Curry out with a broken hand but Draymond Green is a question mark with a finger injury. The defense has been the big issue for Golden State, as they are giving up an average of 126.4 ppg, which is the second most in the NBA.

The Hornets are 2-3 and they snapped their three-game skid in their last game. While Devonte’ Graham leads the team only averaging 16.4 ppg Charlotte does have six players averaging in double figures.

With the slew of injuries for the Warriors and the Hornets not being an explosive offense the Over is the pick in this game, which will be far from a shootout even with Golden State’s defense.

PICK: Under 223 (1.90) at 888.com

Philadelphia 76ers @ Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers -1.5 O/U 219

The 76ers are off to a 4-0 start but head into this game shorthanded with Joel Embiid being suspended for his fight with Karl-Anthony Towns on Thursday night. He leads the team in scoring and rebounding (23.3 ppg 10.3 rpg) and will be missed.

The Blazers have won three of their last four games and they rank in the middle of the pack in the NBA in terms of ppg and opponents’ ppg. Damian Lillard is averaging 29.2 ppg and Hassan Whiteside has been a solid addition averaging 12.8 ppg and 12.2 rpg.

The 76ers have a solid team but without their leader in Embiid their defense will struggle. Take the Blazers in this non-conference game only giving 1.5 points.

PICK: Blazers -1.5 (1.90) at 888.com

NBA Saturday parlay odds

In this parlay taking the odds at 888.com the payout is 5.70, which is not bad at all for the three solid picks above.