Key Highlights
- New users can get $300 in bonus bets and three free months of NBA League Pass from DraftKings.
- The 2025-26 NBA season opens with a doubleheader on Tuesday, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors.
- The model recommends backing the Thunder as 6.5-point favorites against the Rockets and betting on Under 227.5 points in the Lakers-Warriors game.
- Users can combine these picks into a parlay for a potential +575 return from DraftKings Sportsbook.
New NBA Season Brings Betting Bonuses and Promotions
The 2025-26 NBA season is set to kick off on Tuesday, and fans can take advantage of the latest promotional offers available through DraftKings. New users who sign up for an account can receive a substantial $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet wins, along with three free months of NBA League Pass. This offer provides both new and existing users a great way to enhance their viewing experience while placing bets on upcoming games.
Opening Night Picks: Thunder vs. Rockets and Lakers vs. Warriors
The opening night doubleheader features the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers facing off against the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET.
The SportsLine Projection Model suggests backing the Thunder as -6.5-point favorites over the Rockets and betting on Under 227.5 points for the Lakers-Warriors game.
For Thunder fans, the model highlights their strong record from last season. With a top overall record of 53-25-4, the Thunder covered in 68% of their games, making them one of the most dominant betting teams historically. Their entire starting lineup returns, and although Houston acquired Kevin Durant, it might take some time for the Rockets to form a cohesive team.
Regarding the Lakers-Warriors game, both teams ranked poorly in Over hits last season, with the Warriors’ 50.5% hit rate on Overs and the Lakers’ 49.4% Over rate.
The model anticipates a sharper defensive focus for both teams, projecting the Under to have a higher chance of hitting at 61.2%. This analysis suggests that betting on the Under in this matchup could be a wise choice.
College Football: Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana Tech
In addition to NBA picks, DraftKings offers college football promotions and advice from its model. On Tuesday, there is only one college football game available for betting, with Western Kentucky hosting Louisiana Tech on CBS Sports Network. The model predicts an upset victory for the Hilltoppers, who are favored by +3 points.
Western Kentucky has shown promise this season, boasting a 5-2 record and strong performances away from home in Conference USA matchups.
Their senior quarterback Maverick McIvor is leading the team with average passing yards of 266.1 per game. In contrast, Louisiana Tech comes off a disappointing loss to Kennesaw State and has struggled against Western Kentucky historically.
Conclusion
Maximizing Your Experience
The opening night of the NBA season presents an excellent opportunity for sports enthusiasts to engage in both watching and betting on games. With DraftKings’ promotional offers, users can enjoy enhanced viewing experiences and potential financial gains from strategic bets. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or new to online sportsbooks, leveraging these promotions could significantly enhance your engagement with the upcoming NBA season.
