- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off Wednesday, October 21 with an 11-game schedule headlined by a trio of evening matchups.
Miami hosts the Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET after acquiring two-time NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat missed the playoffs last season and went 26-15 at home. The SportsLine Projection Model supports Miami as 1.5-point favorites, projecting a cover in 59% of simulations. The model has generated nearly $19,000 in profit for $100 players since 2018 and finished 26-10 on top-rated spread picks last season.
The Jazz open against the Grizzlies at 8 p.m. ET with rookie Darryn Peterson in the starting lineup. "This line is underselling Darryn Peterson's role for the Jazz on opening night," said Prop Bet Guy Doug.
The Warriors visit the Lakers at 10 p.m. ET. Warriors starter Yaxel Lendeborg, who played 23 minutes across two preseason games against the Lakers, averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists in those contests. His full preseason numbers stand at 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The Warriors will be without Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody.
Source: CBS Sports - Wed Oct 21, 8:15 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).