NBA Preseason/Sunday's Picks

The NBA preseason tips off this afternoon with a contest between two title contenders as the LA Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets. Game time is 3:30 pm at Staples Center.

The Lakers are coming off a season beset by injuries that contributed to a disappointing 42-30 regular season following their championship the year before. LA was eliminated in the postseason by Phoenix in six games. In an effort to return to the Finals, the Lakers have added some interesting pieces, including Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook.

The Nets also suffered from injuries last year, but still posted the second-best regular season record in the Eastern Conference at 48-24. After getting past Boston in the first round, Brooklyn was eliminated from the postseason in the conference semifinals by eventual champion Milwaukee in seven games.

Unlike the Lakers, the Nets did not add any big-name stars in the offseason and will rely on their trio of stars – Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving – once again.

Dunkel has the Nets opening up with a victory today in LA with the final score staying under the Vegas total of 221 ½.

Dunkel’s Pick: Brooklyn (+4); Under

Below are all of Dunkel’s picks for today’s NBA preseason schedule:

OCTOBER 3

Brooklyn at LA Lakers
Time: 3:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 121.311; LA Lakers 120.105
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 1; 216
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4; 221 ½
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+4); Under