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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets

Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks (-7.5, 208.5)

The Atlanta Hawks are the only team in the Southeast Division that will be starting the same five players who ended last season.

That sort of continuity is what has helped the Hawks improve their record in each of the last four seasons, including a 10-game jump to 47 wins last season.

The Indiana Pacers, who haven't made the playoffs in three seasons, are starting a pair of second-year players in shooting guard Brandon Rush and center Roy Hibbert. Both played sporadically last season.

In addition, All-Star forward Danny Granger is doubtful with a sore heel, raising serious questions about who the Pacers will go to on offense. It probably won't be Rush or Hibbert.

The Hawks have won the last three meetings, going 2-1 vs. the spread.

Pick: Atlanta


Charlotte Bobcats at Boston Celtics (-10.5, 185)

Although it is a step down from their season-opening matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics would be smart to take the Bobcats seriously.

Since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen came on board at the start of the 2007 season, the Celtics are 5-2 vs. the Bobcats but just 1-6 against the spread.

One of the wins was in overtime and another came on a buzzer-beater by Allen after a deflected pass.

The Celtics also have a lot swirling around them. In addition to Glen Davis' thumb injury suffered in a fight with a former college teammate, guard Rajon Rondo's agent announced his client will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season as the sides are far apart on a contract extension.

The Bobcats will be playing their season opener.

Pick: Charlotte