The 2026-27 NBA season kicks off with an exciting three-game slate on Tuesday, featuring:

• Celtics vs. Pistons at 3 p.m. ET
• 76ers vs. Knicks at 7 p.m. ET
• Thunder vs. Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET

SportsLine's top experts are backing the Spurs (-135) to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. Meanwhile, the SportsLine Projection Model supports the Knicks to cover as 4.5-point favorites against LeBron James and the 76ers. An expert has also locked in a player prop betting pick for the Pistons vs. Celtics matchup, marking it as one of the best bets of the day.

Key Highlights:

• The SportsLine Projection Model has generated nearly $19,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks since 2018, boasting a 72% success rate on top-rated spread picks last season.
• Tuesday's Best Bets:
  • Ausar Thompson, Pistons, Over 6.5 total rebounds (+100)
  • Knicks (-4.5) (-115)
  • Spurs money line vs. Thunder (-135)

Combining these picks into a parlay could yield a payout of +538 (risk $100 to win $538).

Ausar Thompson is highlighted for his rebounding capabilities, especially against a Celtics team that often shoots threes, creating long rebound opportunities.

At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks will celebrate their first championship since 1973 with a ring ceremony. They return nearly their entire playoff rotation, with the model projecting them to cover in 57% of simulations.

The Spurs, bolstered by the addition of Tobias Harris, are expected to have a strong showing, particularly against a Thunder team facing roster challenges.

For more insights and betting strategies, consult the experts at SportsLine.