The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway, and we’re wasting no time getting into the action!
Opening Night gave us some surprises, including Philadelphia spoiling New York’s championship celebration and Oklahoma City taking down San Antonio.
EST started the season 1-2 in predictions. Not exactly the start we wanted, but with 11 games on Wednesday’s schedule, we’ve got plenty of opportunities to turn things around.
Let’s get into the picks!
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards
EST Pick: Washington Wizards
The Wizards might be without rookie AJ Dybantsa, but let’s not forget they still have Anthony Davis and Trae Young!
That’s a pretty impressive duo to have leading your team, and I expect both players to make a serious impact.
Trae can run the offense and create opportunities for everyone around him, while Davis gives Washington a dominant presence inside.
Milwaukee won’t make things easy, but I’m backing Washington to start its season with a win at home.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
EST Pick: Orlando Magic
This should be one of the more entertaining matchups of the night.
Atlanta has the offensive talent to make things interesting, but Orlando’s combination of size, defense, and scoring ability gives the Magic an edge.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner should cause problems for Atlanta throughout the game.
I’m going with Orlando.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets
EST Pick: Brooklyn Nets
This is a matchup where I’m trusting the home team.
Neither team can afford to come out flat, and I expect a competitive game with plenty of momentum swings.
Brooklyn doesn’t need to dominate. It just needs to execute down the stretch and avoid giving Charlotte easy opportunities.
Give me the Nets in a close one.
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors
EST Pick: Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto, and what better way to begin his return than with a victory?
The Raptors have plenty of expectations heading into the season, and Kawhi’s debut adds even more excitement.
Chicago can be dangerous when its offense gets rolling, but I like Toronto’s overall talent and home-court advantage.
With Kawhi back in a Raptors uniform, I’m expecting Toronto to come out with plenty of energy.
Raptors win!
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat
EST Pick: Miami Heat
Now THIS is a game I’m excited about!
Minnesota has the talent to compete with anybody, especially with Anthony Edwards leading the way.
But Miami has added Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that’s a massive addition to an already talented team.
Giannis gives the Heat another dominant offensive weapon, and I’m excited to see how he fits into Miami’s system.
The Timberwolves won’t make things easy, but I’m backing Giannis and the Heat to start their season with a win at home.
Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
EST Pick: Indiana Pacers
The return of Tyrese Haliburton is one of the biggest storylines heading into Indiana’s season.
After missing the entire 2025-26 campaign, he’s finally back, and the Pacers have their floor general again.
New Orleans has Zion Williamson and enough offensive firepower to make this interesting, but I’m trusting Indiana’s ball movement and Haliburton’s ability to control the game.
Pacers win.
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
EST Pick: Memphis Grizzlies
This is a matchup that could be closer than people expect.
Utah has some interesting pieces, but Memphis gets the benefit of playing at home.
The Grizzlies need to establish themselves early this season, and beating the Jazz is a good opportunity to build some momentum.
Give me Memphis.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
EST Pick: Houston Rockets
Houston has some serious expectations heading into this season, and why wouldn’t they?
The Rockets have Kevin Durant, who I still consider the best pure scorer in the NBA.
KD can score from practically anywhere on the floor, and having someone like that gives Houston an advantage when games get tight.
Dallas has enough talent to keep things interesting, but I’m expecting Durant to lead the way as Houston starts its season with a win.
Give me the Rockets!
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers
EST Pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Here’s a pick that might surprise some people!
Portland has a chance to make some noise this season, and I’m backing the Trail Blazers to start things off with a victory.
Phoenix can absolutely win this matchup, but I’m expecting Portland to bring energy, especially in front of its home crowd.
It might not be pretty, but a win is a win.
Give me the Trail Blazers.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
EST Pick: Golden State Warriors
Sometimes you don’t need a complicated explanation for a prediction.
I trust Stephen Curry.
That’s it!
The Lakers have Luka Doncic and plenty of offensive talent, but when Steph is on the other side, you’ve got to respect what he’s capable of doing.
We’ve seen Curry take over games countless times, and I’m backing him to do it again.
Give me Steph and the Warriors!
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers
EST Pick: Los Angeles Clippers
The more I look at this Clippers roster, the more I like what they’ve put together.
Brandon Ingram, Darius Garland, and Rui Hachimura? That’s a talented group!
Ingram gives Los Angeles a reliable scorer who can create his own shot, Garland brings playmaking and outside shooting, and Hachimura adds size and versatility.
Sacramento won’t be an easy opponent, but the Clippers have plenty of offensive weapons, and I expect that talent to make the difference.
I’m taking Los Angeles to start its season with a win at home!
What do you think of these predictions? Which teams are you picking to win tonight? Let me know in the comments!
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