In 2026 the NBA regular season kicked off on Tuesday night with a trio of games that seemed like a secular age that saw LeBron James (he is actually 41, and from Ohio as he memorably told the court fan) lead his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, to a season opening 106-100 victory over the NBA champions New York Knicks. James posted 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his debut for his fourth NBA career. Win Wednesday’s Biggest Games with Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS55 for a $55 bonus:
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-104 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of last season’s memorable and contentious Western Conference finals.
We move on to Wednesday’s 11-game schedule which, while perhaps overshadowed by the compelling storylines of the opening night, still offers some compelling features.
One such display features the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting the Miami Heat in a duel between the clubs made in the offseason with participation in two of the biggest arts.
Minnesota acquired versatile guard Lamelo Ball from the Hornets to pair with Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, while Miami landed ten-time all-star and 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA deals have improved the future odds for both clubs, as Minnesota heads into the season with +2000 odds to win it all, while Miami carries a +2800 price tag. They meet in Miami on Wednesday night, with Cal a 1.5-point favorite at the top sports betting sites and an over/under total of 240.5 points.
Below is a snapshot of what to watch and bet for the Wednesday, Oct. Always in the East
NBA best bets, where to watch
Timberwolves to heat
Time: 7:30 p.m Location: Miami | TV: ESPN | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine picks up — Model: Under 240.5 points | an expert: Giannis Antetokounmpo Plus 27.5 Total Points -114 (Alex Selesnick)
SportsLine’s 10,000-game Simulation Projection model doesn’t offer a firm hold on this matchup, although its data leans slightly toward the Heat winning and under 240.5 points, as it predicts a combined number of 236.
However, SportsLine Analyst Alex “PropStarz” Selesnick released a 1.5-unit selection in Plus 27.5 points for Antetokounmpo in his Miami debut.
“Happy to see Giannis make his debut with the Miami Heat tonight in what could be a game-changing game,” Selesnick wrote in his analysis. “The Wolves added offensive power and pace after they acquired LaMelo Ball in the offseason. I expect Minnesota’s offense to improve, and Giannis finds himself as the center piece of a Heat team that lacks scoring.” Bet on NBA games with DraftKings here and get $200 in bonus bets plus 3 free months of NBA passes;
NHL best bets where to watch
Flyers to the Sabers
Time: 7:30 p.m Location: Washington DC | TV: ESPN+ | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Expert: Sabers ML -182 (Matt Severance)
The Sportsline Projection Model’s 10,000-game simulation offers a slightly leaner underdog at +157, but SportsLine NHL Analyst Matt Severance (+146, +962 20 NHL reads) wants to place a tight price on a Buffalo club he believes will emerge victorious.
“The control line is -110 and this is ideal, but both of these positions are good for Buffalo,” Secerance wrote in his analysis. “The team rested and brought back two injured players in Jason Zucker and Rasmus Dahlin as the Flyers beat the Flyers in five road games. This will be the last home game in Buffalo until Nov. 4, so there is less sense of urgency for the three points. The Sabers have scored four or more goals in seven of their last 10 games against the Flyers.”
College football best bets, where to watch
New Mexico State at Sam Houston
Time: 8 p.m Location: Huntsville, Texas | TV: ESPN2 | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine picks up — an expert: NMSU -2.5 (Emory Hunt)
The SportsLine Projection model gives Sam Houston State a minimum lean of +3, but its 10,000-game simulation promises a final score of 25, which would be the outcome of any point bet. However, SportsLine’s college football analyst Emory Hunt likes the light draft pick and locked in the position at -2.5, a number that is still available at some outlets.
“This is a very good New Mexico State team and one that has the ability to run the ball with James Jones,” Hunt wrote in his analysis. “In fact, not only do they run the ball well, but they can run home runs with the game. Despite some talent across the roster, the Bearkats just aren’t a good enough team to trust at this point.” Bet on NHL and college football with the BetMGM CBSSPORTS bonus for up to $1,500 in bonus bets: